Trends in Genetics
Volume 14, Issue 5, 1 May 1998, Pages 184-188
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Linear mitochondrial genomes: 30 years down the line

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Abstract

At variance with the earlier belief that mitochondrial genomes are represented by circular DNA molecules, a large number of organisms have been found to carry linear mitochondrial DNA. Studies of linear mitochondrial genomes might provide a novel view on the evolutionary history of organelle genomes and contribute to delineating mechanisms of maintenance and functioning of telomeres. Because linear mitochondrial DNA is present in a number of human pathogens, its replication mechanisms might become a target for drugs that would not interfere with replication of human circular mitochondrial DNA.

Keywords

mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
yeast
DNA replication
evolution
telomere
protozoa

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