Abstract
We present considerable data supporting the hypothesis that a Sulfolobus- or Mycoplasma-like endosymbiont, rather than an alpha-proteobacterium, is the ancestor of animal mitochondrial genomes. This hypothesis is based on pronounced similarities in oligonucleotide relative abundance extremes common to animal mtDNA, Sulfolobus, and Mycoplasma capricolum and pronounced discrepancies of these relative abundance values with respect to alpha-proteobacteria. In addition, genomic dinucleotide relative abundance measures place Sulfolobus and M. capricolum among the closest to animal mitochondrial genomes, whereas the classical eubacteria, especially the alpha-proteobacteria, are at excessive distances. There are also considerable molecular and cellular phenotypic analogies among mtDNA, Sulfolobus, and M. capricolum.
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.
