Organelle Genetics, 2012 Evolution of Organelle Genomes and Gene Expression

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are eukaryotic organelles that evolved from bacterial ancestors and harbor their own genomes. The gene products of these genomes work in concert with those of the nuclear genome to ensure proper organelle metabolism and biogenesis.

This book explores the forces that have shaped the evolution of organelle genomes and the expression of the genes encoded by them. Some striking examples of trends in organelle evolution explored here are the reduction in genome size and gene coding content observed in most lineages, the complete loss of organelle DNA in certain lineages, and the unusual modes of gene expression that have emerged, such as the extensive and essential mRNA editing that occurs in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts. This book places particular emphasis on the current techniques used to study the evolution of organelle genomes and gene expression.

Origins of Organelle Genomes.- Organelle Genome Evolution.- Mechanisms of Organelle Gene Loss.- Origins of Organelle Proteomes.- Evolution of Organelle Transcription.- Evolution of Organelle RNA Processing.- Evolution of Organelle Translation, tRNAs and the Genetic Code.

The only current overview of cutting-edge techniques and discoveries in organelle genetics

Contributions from an international board of authors, all respected members of the organelle genetics community

Improves the understanding of genome evolution

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras