ISSN:
1432-0983
Keywords:
RNA plasmids
;
Rapeseed
;
Maternal inheritance
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The large RNAs previously detected in mitochondrial preparations of Brassica plants are shown here to be double-stranded molecules that lack homology to the mitochondrial genome and are synthesized in a DNA-independent manner. In crosses between nuclear isogenic lines, the dsRNAs were transmitted through both seed and pollen, whereas the mtDNA, as expected, was transmitted only from the seed or the maternal parent. In addition, the Brassica dsRNAs did not co-purify with mitochondria during Percoll gradient centrifugation. In identical gradients, however, the maize autonomously replicating species S/Ru-a and S/Ru-b co-purified precisely with mitochondria. The results suggest that, unlike the maize RNAs, the Brassica dsRNAs are not physically or genetically associated with mitochondria and, more generally, that the occurrence of dsRNA in mitochondria may be less widespread than recent reports indicate.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00334523
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