Plastidiale DNS und extrachromosomale Vererbung

Abstract

The importance of the plastidial DNA for the cells, especially in connection with the extrachromosomal heredity, is reviewed. Different findings have led to the conclusion that the chloroplasts contain hereditary information. Particularly the plastidial DNA, a so-called satellite DNA, which is linear and which is mainly characterised through its GC-content, could be isolated. An insight into the information content of this DNA can be gained through renaturation and hybridisation experiments. The role, which the plastidial DNA plays in the cell function, is still dubious. There are several experimental evidences of replication and transcription of plastidial DNA, but hypotheses concerning the translation and also the autonomy of the chloroplast remain speculative.