Abstract
Higher plants contain the largest mitochondrial genomes found so far. Several factors contribute to this expansion in size, notably integrated plastid and nuclear sequences; numerous repeats, some of which are active in recombination and sequence rearrangements; introns of more than 3 400 nucleotides and several genes unique to plant mitochondrial DNA. Genes are transcribed into mono and polycistronic mRNAs and translated by the standard genetic code. However, mRNAs are altered from the DNA encoded sequence by RNA editing with mostly cytidine to uridine and occasionally uridine to cytidine transitions. Edited mRNAs specify different polypeptides than those predicted by open reading frames in the DNA. Partially edited mRNA molecules raise the question of which proteins are actually synthesized. RNA editing of mitochondrial transcripts appears to occur in all higher plants and may date back to the common ancestors of modern plants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
