Distribution of plasmids and a plasmid-like mitochondrial sequence in the genus Agaricus

Abstract

Representatives of 21 species of the basidiomycete Agaricus were examined for the presence of the linear mitochondrial plasmid, pEM, and mitochondrial sequences that hybridize to the pEM RNA polymerase gene. pEM-like plasmids were detected in only two species although other types of plasmids were detected in eight species. pEM RNA polymerase-like sequences were detected in the mitochondrial DNA of 20 species. A common sequence ancestor to the pEM plasmid and to the mitochondrial RNA polymerase-like sequences probably existed in the Agaricus mitochondrial ancestor prior to speciation of the genus.

Key Words:

• basidiomycete
• mitochondria
• pEM
• RNA polymerase