Extensive loss of translational genes in the structurally dynamic mitochondrial genome of the angiosperm Silene latifolia

0350206 - ÚEB 2011 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Sloan, D.B. - Alverson, A.J. - Štorchová, Helena - Palmer, J.D. - Taylor, D.R.
Extensive loss of translational genes in the structurally dynamic mitochondrial genome of the angiosperm Silene latifolia.
BMC Evolutionary Biology. Roč. 10, č. 274 (2010), s. 1-15. ISSN 1471-2148. E-ISSN 1471-2148
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT ME09035; GA MŠMT(CZ) LC06004
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50380511
Keywords : Mitochondrial genome * Silene latifolia * gene transfer
Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology
Impact factor: 3.702, year: 2010

In this study, we report the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence from a member of this family, Silene latifolia. The genome can be mapped as a 253,413 bp circle, but its structure is complicated by a large repeated region that is present in 6 copies. Active recombination among these copies produces a suite of alternative genome configurations that appear to be at or near “recombinational equilibrium”. The genome contains the fewest genes of any angiosperm mitochondrial genome sequenced to date, with intact copies of only 25 of the 41 protein genes inferred to be present in the common ancestor of all angiosperms. Ribosomal proteins have been especially prone to gene loss in the S. latifolia lineage. The genome has also experienced a major reduction in tRNA gene content, including loss of functional tRNAs of both native and chloroplast origin. In addition, genes encoding 18S and, especially, 5S rRNA exhibit exceptional divergence relative to other plants.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0006126