Author Description

Chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own genomes and protein-synthesizing systems, but only a fraction of the genes required for the proper function of these organelles are specified by the genomes. Organelle Genes and Genomes reviews the properties of chloroplast and mitochondrial geneomes and shows how such study is now contributing broadly to the resolution of important biological problems. These range from the use of organelle DNA molecules in evolutionary and phylogenetic studies to molecular investigations of the mechanisms underlying RNA editing, intron splicing and mobility, and mitochnodrial disease. The book is divided into four parts. Part I describes the structure and function of chloroplasts and mitochondria. Part II discusses their origins as well of the structure, content, and replication of their genomes for phylogenetic studies. Part III considers the genetics of model systems, transformation, the inheritance of organelle genomes and their intracellular genetics. This section includes chapters dealing with intron splicing, mobile elements, organelle plasmids and mitochondrial diseases. Part IV considers gene expression in organelles including novel problems like RNA editing. Students and researchers in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and evolution will welcome this new contribution by an eminent researcher in the field.