A review of the structure and organization of the mitochondrial genome of higher plants

Abstract

The structure, organisation and functions of the mitochondrial genome of most groups of eukaryotic organisms are known to varying degrees with the notable exception of higher plants. With the recent completion of physical mapping studies on the Brassica campestris (Chinese cabbage, turnip) and Zea mays (maize) mitochondrial genomes, many of the apparent problems of plant mitochondrial genome structure can now be answered. In this manuscript I review the literature relating to the physical observations on plant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and assess the data in relation to our current understanding of mitochondrial genome structure.