ISSN:
1432-0983
Keywords:
Mitochondrial DNA
;
Uniparental inheritance
;
Chlamydomonas
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary In order to study the mechanism responsible for the uniparental transmission of the mitochondrial genome in crosses between Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and C. smithii, we have analyzed the fate of mitochondrial DNA during gametogenesis, zygospore differentiation and sporulation by hybridization experiments. Both mt + and mt − gametes contain the same amount of mitochondrial DNA and the two parental genomes persist for several days in the zygotes. The DNA of mt + origin is slowly eliminated during the period of zygote maturation. Light is required for total elimination of mt + mitochondrial DNA in the zygospores. Using appropriate restriction enzymes, we have been unable to detect methylation of the mitochondrial DNA during gametogenesis or zygospore formation. The possibility that the mt + mitochondria themselves are specifically eliminated in the course of zygote maturation is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00326238
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