ISSN:
1574-6968
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Self-splicing group I introns in tRNA anticodon loops have been found in diverse groups of bacteria (α, β purple bacteria and cyanobacteria). In particular, the cyanobacterial tRNALeu(UAA) group I introns have attracted considerable attention because of their presumed ancient origin and immobility. In this work, however, we identified tRNALeu(UAA) group I introns in six out of 16 closely related isolates belonging to the cyanobacterial genus Microcystis. Interestingly, these introns are more closely related to the group I introns identified in the α and β purple bacteria (located in tRNAArg(CCU) and tRNAIle(CAU), respectively) than to other cyanobacterial introns. Our sequence comparison and phyletic reconstruction suggest lateral transfer of the intron (possibly trough mobility), and a polyphyletic origin of cyanobacterial tRNALeu(UAA) group I introns.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.1997.tb12743.x
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