Why chloroplasts and mitochondria contain genomes
2003
Why chloroplasts and mitochondria contain genomes
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): John F. Allen
Primary Institution: Lund University
Hypothesis
What do chloroplast- and mitochondrially-encoded proteins have in common that confers a selective advantage on the cytoplasmic location of their genes?
Conclusion
The CORR hypothesis suggests that chloroplasts and mitochondria contain genes for proteins whose function in electron transfer demands rapid, direct and unconditional redox regulatory control of their biosynthesis.
Supporting Evidence
- Chloroplasts and mitochondria originated as bacterial symbionts.
- Genes are copied and moved between cellular compartments with relative ease.
- Redox control of gene expression is suggested as the common feature of those chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins that are encoded in situ.
Takeaway
Chloroplasts and mitochondria have their own genes because they need to quickly respond to changes in energy, and keeping those genes close to where they are used helps them do that.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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