Reductive evolution suggested from the complete genome sequence of a plant-pathogenic phytoplasma - PubMed (original) (raw)

doi: 10.1038/ng1277. Epub 2003 Dec 7.

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Reductive evolution suggested from the complete genome sequence of a plant-pathogenic phytoplasma

Kenro Oshima et al. Nat Genet. 2004 Jan.

Abstract

The minimal gene set essential for life has long been sought. We report the 860-kb genome of the obligate intracellular plant pathogen phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris, OY strain). The phytoplasma genome encodes even fewer metabolic functions than do mycoplasma genomes. It lacks the pentose phosphate cycle and, more unexpectedly, ATP-synthase subunits, which are thought to be essential for life. This may be the result of reductive evolution as a consequence of life as an intracellular parasite in a nutrient-rich environment.

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