ISSN:
1617-4623
Keywords:
Endosymbiosis
;
Plastid evolution
;
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase
;
Rhodophyta
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The genes for both subunits of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate-carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) were located on the plastid DNA (ptDNA) of the unicellular red algaCyanidium caldarium. Both genes are organized together in an operon. The sequence homology of both genes to the corresponding genes from the unicellular red algaPorphyridium aerugineum is remarkably high, whereas homology to Rubisco genes from chloroplasts and two recent cyanobacteria is significantly lower. These data provide strong evidence for a polyphyletic origin of chloroplasts and rhodoplasts. In addition the genes for the small subunit of Rubisco (rbcS) from red algae show about 60% homology torbcS genes from cryptophytes and chromophytes. Thus, homologies in therbcS gene indicate a close phylogenetic relationship between rhodoplasts and the plastids of Chromophyta.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00633849
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