title: Molecular archaeology of the mitochondrial genome.
abstract: We develop a stepwise model for the net transfer of nucleic acid sequences between non-homologous genomes. This model is then used to explain the two major patterns in the evolutionary history of mitochondrial genomes: the gross reduction of the number of genes, and the subsequent acquisition of introns.
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005796:Genes; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear