An internal part of the chloroplast atpA gene sequence is present in the mitochondrial genome of Triticum aestivum: molecular organisation and evolutionary aspects.

An internal part of the chloroplast atpA gene has been identified in the mitochondrial DNA of Triticum aestivum. It is located near the 18S-5S ribosomal genes and partially contained within a repeated sequence. Comparison of the transferred sequence with the original ct sequence reveals several nucleotide changes and shows that neither 5' nor 3' ends are present in the mt genome. No transcript of this region could be detected by Northern analysis. This sequence is present in mitochondrial genomes of other tetraploid and diploid species of Triticum, also in the vicinity of the 18S-5S ribosomal genes, suggesting a unique transfer event. The date of this event is discussed.