Author
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Havey, Michael |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/23/2016 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The plant cytoplasm carries two organelles, the plastid and mitochondrion, each with their own DNA. The organellar DNAs of the cucurbits are unique for several important attributes. Whereas the cucurbit chloroplast DNAs are similar in size and structure to most plants, the mitochondrial DNAs of the genus Cucumis are extremely large and show paternal transmission. Recent sequencing of the mitochondrial DNAs of cucumber, melon, squash, and watermelon revealed significant expansion of repetitive DNA motifs in the Cucumis mitochondrial DNAs, as well as significant DNA transfers from the chloroplast and nucleus. Recombination among repetitive motifs produces structurally rearranged DNA molecules associated with strongly mosaic phenotypes. The unique mitochondrial genetics of the genus Cucumis may allow for research on effects of the organelles on plant performance, the production and isolation of mitochondrial mutants, as well as development of a robust mitochondrial transformation system. |
