Canadian Forest Service Publications
Molecular Biology of Tree Organelles. 1995. DeVerno, L.L. Pages 52-64 in P.J. Charest and L.C. Duchesne, compilers. Recent progress in Forest Biotechnology in Canada. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Petawawa National Forestry Institute, Chalk River, Ontario, Information Report PI-X-120.
Year: 1995
Issued by: National Capital Region
Catalog ID: 21484
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
Significant advances in the analysis of organellar genomes in trees in recent years has been facilitated by the highly conserved nature of gene coding sequences. Well characterized probes from angiosperms have been used to provide markers to evaluate specific traits, phylogenies, and genome organization. Mitochondrial genomes in trees are complex, with some genes occuring as multiple copies. Angiosperm chloroplast genomes are similar to other higher plants in structural organization and gene content. Gymnosperm chloroplast genomes are smaller and differ from the known angiosperm consensus structure in both gene content and gene order. Inheritance of chlorophast genomes is primarily paternal in gymnosperms in contrast to either maternal or biparental inheritance in angiosperms and other species. Mitochondria are maternally inherited, with some notable exceptions. Further investigations of these organelles at the molecular level will be valuable in studies of genetic diversity, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships.