title: Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA of the primate malarial parasite Plasmodium knowlesi.
abstract: Restriction analyses and DNA/DNA hybridisation of parasite DNA isolated from monkeys infected with the malarial parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has permitted unambiguous identification of the nuclear DNA of this species. Its (G+C) content, as determined by estimations of buoyant density as well as by direct analysis, is about 38%, essentially indistinguishable from that of its primate laboratory host, and grossly different from that of the major human malaria parasite, P. falciparum, which has a (G+C) content of approx. 19%. In addition, gradient fractionation of total P. knowlesi DNA revealed a minor DNA component (approx. 1% of the total) with a (G+C) content of about 19%. This DNA comprises covalently closed circular molecules which have a contour length about 11.6 microns, carry a small cruciform structure, and are thought to originate in the parasite's mitochondria.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McCready
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Perler
authors.forename: B U
authors.initials: BU
authors.lastname: Qiang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002500:Centrifugation, Isopycnic; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes