Small, repetitive DNAs contribute significantly to the expanded mitochondrial genome of cucumber

Closely related cucurbit species possess eightfold differences in the sizes of their mitochondrial genomes. We cloned mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments showing strong hybridization signals to cucumber mtDNA and little or no signal to watermelon mtDNA. The cucumber mtDNA clones carried short (30-53 bp), repetitive DNA motifs that were often degenerate, overlapping, and showed no homology to any sequences currently in the databases. On the basis of dot-blot hybridizations, seven repetitive DNA motifs accounted for >13% (194 kb) of the cucumber mitochondrial genome, equaling >50% of the size of the Arabidopsis mitochondrial genome. Sequence analysis of 136 kb of cucumber mtDNA revealed only 11.2% with significant homology to previously characterized mitochondrial sequences, 2.4% to chloroplast DNA, and 15% to the seven repetitive DNA motifs. The remaining 71.4% of the sequence was unique to the cucumber mitochondrial genome. There was <4% sequence colinearity surrounding the watermelon and cucumber atp9 coding regions, and the much smaller watermelon mitochondrial genome possessed no significant amounts of cucumber repetitive DNAs. Our results demonstrate that the expanded cucumber mitochondrial genome is in part due to extensive duplication of short repetitive sequences, possibly by recombination and/or replication slippage.     

A complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Ogura-type male-sterile cytoplasm and its comparative analysis with that of normal cytoplasm in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Plant mitochondrial genome has unique features such as large size, frequent recombination and incorporation of foreign DNA. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is caused by rearrangement of the mitochondrial genome, and a novel chimeric open reading frame (ORF) created by shuffling of endogenous sequences is often responsible for CMS. The Ogura-type male-sterile cytoplasm is one of the most extensively studied cytoplasms in Brassicaceae. Although the gene orf138 has been isolated as a determinant of Ogura-type CMS, no homologous sequence to orf138 has been found in public databases. Therefore, how orf138 sequence was created is a mystery. In this study, we determined the complete nucleotide sequence of two radish mitochondrial genomes, namely, Ogura- and normal-type genomes, and analyzed them to reveal the origin of the gene orf138. RESULTS: Ogura- and normal-type mitochondrial genomes were assembled to 258,426-bp and 244,036-bp circular sequences, respectively. Normal-type mitochondrial genome contained 33 protein-coding and three rRNA genes, which are well conserved with the reported mitochondrial genome of rapeseed. Ogura-type genomes contained same genes and additional atp9. As for tRNA, normal-type contained 17 tRNAs, while Ogura type contained 17 tRNAs and one additional trnfM. The gene orf138 was specific to Ogura-type mitochondrial genome, and no sequence homologous to it was found in normal-type genome. Comparative analysis of the two genomes revealed that radish mitochondrial genome consists of 11 syntenic regions (length >3kb, similarity >99.9%). It was shown that short repeats and overlapped repeats present in the edge of syntenic regions were involved in recombination events during evolution to interconvert two types of mitochondrial genome. Ogura-type mitochondrial genome has four unique regions (2,803 bp, 1,601 bp, 451 bp and 15,255 bp in size) that are non-syntenic to normal-type genome, and the gene orf138 was found to be located at the edge of the largest unique region. Blast analysis performed to assign the unique regions showed that about 80% of the region was covered by short homologous sequences to the mitochondrial sequences of normal-type radish or other reported Brassicaceae species, although no homology was found for the remaining 20% of sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Ogura-type mitochondrial genome was highly rearranged compared with the normal-type genome by recombination through one large repeat and multiple short repeats. The rearrangement has produced four unique regions in Ogura-type mitochondrial genome, and most of the unique regions are composed of known Brassicaceae mitochondrial sequences. This suggests that the regions unique to the Ogura-type genome were generated by integration and shuffling of pre-existing mitochondrial sequences during the evolution of Brassicaceae, and novel genes such as orf138 could have been created by the shuffling process of mitochondrial genome.     

The mitochondrial genome of Malus domestica and the import-driven hypothesis of mitochondrial genome expansion in seed plants

Mitochondrial genomes of spermatophytes are the largest of all organellar genomes. Their large size has been attributed to various factors; however, the relative contribution of these factors to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) expansion remains undetermined. We estimated their relative contribution in Malus domestica (apple). The mitochondrial genome of apple has a size of 396 947 bp and a one to nine ratio of coding to non-coding DNA, close to the corresponding average values for angiosperms. We determined that 71.5% of the apple mtDNA sequence was highly similar to sequences of its nuclear DNA. Using nuclear gene exons, nuclear transposable elements and chloroplast DNA as markers of promiscuous DNA content in mtDNA, we estimated that approximately 20% of the apple mtDNA consisted of DNA sequences imported from other cell compartments, mostly from the nucleus. Similar marker-based estimates of promiscuous DNA content in the mitochondrial genomes of other species ranged between 21.2 and 25.3% of the total mtDNA length for grape, between 23.1 and 38.6% for rice, and between 47.1 and 78.4% for maize. All these estimates are conservative, because they underestimate the import of non-functional DNA. We propose that the import of promiscuous DNA is a core mechanism for mtDNA size expansion in seed plants. In apple, maize and grape this mechanism contributed far more to genome expansion than did homologous recombination. In rice the estimated contribution of both mechanisms was found to be similar.     

Organization and variation of angiosperm mitochondrial genome

The mitochondrial genomes of angiosperms are the largest mitochondrial genomes so far reported and are highly variable in size among plant species. The comparative analysis of the angiosperm mitochondrial genomes at the nucleotide level has now become feasible for addressing long-standing questions, owing to the publication of five dicot and three monocot genomes. Whereas the identified genes and introns are rather well conserved, intergenic regions are highly variable in sequence, even between two close relatives. Promiscuous DNA and horizontally transferred sequence constitute part of the intergenic regions, but the origin of the majority of these regions is unknown. On the other hand, duplication and extensive rearrangement of preexisting sequences may be one of the explanations for the occurrence of unknown sequences. Functional aspects of the mitochondrial genome, such as RNA editing and expression of unique open reading frames (ORFs), can be changed under certain nuclear genotypes.     

One-way sequencing of multiple amplicons from tandem repetitive mitochondrial DNA control region

Repetitive DNA sequences not only exist abundantly in eukaryotic nuclear genomes, but also occur as tandem repeats in many animal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions. Due to concerted evolution, these repetitive sequences are highly similar or even identical within a genome. When long repetitive regions are the targets of amplification for the purpose of sequencing, multiple amplicons may result if one primer has to be located inside the repeats. Here, we show that, without separating these amplicons by gel purification or cloning, directly sequencing the mitochondrial repeats with the primer outside repetitive region is feasible and efficient. We exemplify it by sequencing the mtDNA control region of the mosquito Aedes albopictus, which harbors typical large tandem DNA repeats. This one-way sequencing strategy is optimal for population surveys.     

Few mitochondrial DNA sequences are inserted into the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nuclear genome: evolutionary analyses and informativity in the domestic lineage

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) insertions have been detected in the nuclear genome of many eukaryotes. These sequences are pseudogenes originated by horizontal transfer of mtDNA fragments into the nuclear genome, producing nuclear DNA sequences of mitochondrial origin (numt). In this study we determined the frequency and distribution of mtDNA‐originated pseudogenes in the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nuclear genome. The turkey reference genome (Turkey_2.01) was aligned with the reference linearized mtDNA sequence using last . A total of 32 numt sequences (corresponding to 18 numt regions derived by unique insertional events) were identified in the turkey nuclear genome (size ranging from 66 to 1415 bp; identity against the modern turkey mtDNA corresponding region ranging from 62% to 100%). Numts were distributed in nine chromosomes and in one scaffold. They derived from parts of 10 mtDNA protein‐coding genes, ribosomal genes, the control region and 10 tRNA genes. Seven numt regions reported in the turkey genome were identified in orthologues positions in the Gallus gallus genome and therefore were present in the ancestral genome that in the Cretaceous originated the lineages of the modern crown Galliformes. Five recently integrated turkey numts were validated by PCR in 168 turkeys of six different domestic populations. None of the analysed numts were polymorphic (i.e. absence of the inserted sequence, as reported in numts of recent integration in other species), suggesting that the reticulate speciation model is not useful for explaining the origin of the domesticated turkey lineage.     

Molecular analyses of mtDNA deletion mutations in microdissected skeletal muscle fibers from aged rhesus monkeys

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion mutations co-localize with electron transport system (ETS) abnormalities in rhesus monkey skeletal muscle fibers. Using laser capture microdissection in conjunction with PCR and DNA sequence analysis, mitochondrial genomes from single sections of ETS abnormal fibers were characterized. All ETS abnormal fibers contained mtDNA deletion mutations. Deletions were large, removing 20-78% of the genome, with some to nearly all of the functional genes lost. In one-third of the deleted genomes, the light strand origin was deleted, whereas the heavy strand origin of replication was conserved in all fibers. A majority (27/39) of the deletion mutations had direct repeat sequences at their breakpoints and most (36/39) had one breakpoint within or in close proximity to the cytochrome b gene. Several pieces of evidence support the clonality of the mtDNA deletion mutation within an ETS abnormal region of a fiber: (a) only single, smaller than wild-type, PCR products were obtained from each ETS abnormal region; (b) the amplification of mtDNA from two regions of the same ETS abnormal fiber identified identical deletion mutations, and (c) a polymorphism was observed at nucleotide position 16103 (A and G) in the wild-type mtDNA of one animal (sequence analysis of an ETS abnormal region revealed that mtDNA deletion mutations contained only A or G at this position). Species-specific differences in the regions of the genomes lost as well as the presence of direct repeat sequences at the breakpoints suggest mechanistic differences in deletion mutation formation between rodents and primates.     

Extensive variation in nuclear mitochondrial DNA content between the genomes of Phytophthora sojae and Phytophthora ramorum

Fragments of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transferred to the nuclear genome are called nuclear mitochondrial DNAs (NUMTs). We report here a comparison of NUMT content between genomes from two species of the same genus. Analysis of the genomes of Phytophthora sojae and P. ramorum revealed large differences in the NUMT content of the two genomes: 16.27 x 10(-3) and 2.28 x 10(-3)% of each genome, respectively. Substantial differences also exist between the two species in the sizes of the NUMTs found in each genome, with ranges of 20 to 405 bp for P. sojae and 19 to 137 bp for P. ramorum. Furthermore, in P. sojae, fragments from the mitochondrial genes rns, rnl, coxl, and nad (various subunits) are found most frequently, whereas P. ramorum NUMTs most often originate from the cox3, rpsl4, nad4, and nad5 genes. The large differences in the presumptive mtDNA insertions suggest that the insertions occurred subsequent to the divergence of the two species, and this is supported by sequence comparisons among the NUMTs and the mtDNA sequences of the two species. P. sojae mtDNA sequences inserted in the nuclear genome appear to have been altered as a result of insertions, deletions, inversions, and translocations and provide insights into active mechanisms of sequence divergence in this plant pathogen. No clear examples were found of NUMTs forming functional nuclear genes or of NUMTs inserted into exons or introns of any nuclear gene.     

Seventeen new complete mtDNA sequences reveal extensive mitochondrial genome evolution within the Demospongiae

Two major transitions in animal evolution--the origins of multicellularity and bilaterality--correlate with major changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) organization. Demosponges, the largest class in the phylum Porifera, underwent only the first of these transitions and their mitochondrial genomes display a peculiar combination of ancestral and animal-specific features. To get an insight into the evolution of mitochondrial genomes within the Demospongiae, we determined 17 new mtDNA sequences from this group and analyzing them with five previously published sequences. Our analysis revealed that all demosponge mtDNAs are 16- to 25-kbp circular molecules, containing 13-15 protein genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2-27 tRNA genes. All but four pairs of sampled genomes had unique gene orders, with the number of shared gene boundaries ranging from 1 to 41. Although most demosponge species displayed low rates of mitochondrial sequence evolution, a significant acceleration in evolutionary rates occurred in the G1 group (orders Dendroceratida, Dictyoceratida, and Verticillitida). Large variation in mtDNA organization was also observed within the G0 group (order Homosclerophorida) including gene rearrangements, loss of tRNA genes, and the presence of two introns in Plakortis angulospiculatus. While introns are rare in modern-day demosponge mtDNA, we inferred that at least one intron was present in cox1 of the common ancestor of all demosponges. Our study uncovered an extensive mitochondrial genomic diversity within the Demospongiae. Although all sampled mitochondrial genomes retained some ancestral features, including a minimally modified genetic code, conserved structures of tRNA genes, and presence of multiple non-coding regions, they vary considerably in their size, gene content, gene order, and the rates of sequence evolution. Some of the changes in demosponge mtDNA, such as the loss of tRNA genes and the appearance of hairpin-containing repetitive elements, occurred in parallel in several lineages and suggest general trends in demosponge mtDNA evolution.     

Rapid evolution of the compact and unusual mitochondrial genome in the ctenophore, Pleurobrachia bachei

Ctenophores are one of the most basally branching lineages of metazoans with the largest mitochondrial organelles in the animal kingdom. We sequenced the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genome from the Pacific cidipid ctenophore, Pleurobrachia bachei. The circular mitochondrial genome is 11,016 nts, with only 12 genes, and one of the smallest metazoan mtDNA genomes recorded. The protein coding genes are intronless cox1-3, cob, nad1, 3, 4, 4L and 5. The nad2 and 6 genes are represented as short fragments whereas the atp6 gene was found in the nuclear genome. Only the large ribosomal RNA subunit and two tRNAs were present with possibly the small subunit unidentifiable due to extensive fragmentation. The observed unique features of this mitochondrial genome suggest that nuclear and mitochondrial genomes have evolved at very different rates. This reduced mtDNA genome sharply contrasts with the very large sizes of mtDNA found in other basal metazoans including Porifera (sponges), and Placozoa (Trichoplax).     

Targeted multiplex next‐generation sequencing: advances in techniques of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing for population genomics

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is emerging as an efficient and cost‐effective tool in population genomic analyses of nonmodel organisms, allowing simultaneous resequencing of many regions of multi‐genomic DNA from multiplexed samples. Here, we detail our synthesis of protocols for targeted resequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear loci by generating indexed genomic libraries for multiplexing up to 100 individuals in a single sequencing pool, and then enriching the pooled library using custom DNA capture arrays. Our use of DNA sequence from one species to capture and enrich the sequencing libraries of another species (i.e. cross‐species DNA capture) indicates that efficient enrichment occurs when sequences are up to about 12% divergent, allowing us to take advantage of genomic information in one species to sequence orthologous regions in related species. In addition to a complete mitochondrial genome on each array, we have included between 43 and 118 nuclear loci for low‐coverage sequencing of between 18 kb and 87 kb of DNA sequence per individual for single nucleotide polymorphisms discovery from 50 to 100 individuals in a single sequencing lane. Using this method, we have generated a total of over 500 whole mitochondrial genomes from seven cetacean species and green sea turtles. The greater variation detected in mitogenomes relative to short mtDNA sequences is helping to resolve genetic structure ranging from geographic to species‐level differences. These NGS and analysis techniques have allowed for simultaneous population genomic studies of mtDNA and nDNA with greater genomic coverage and phylogeographic resolution than has previously been possible in marine mammals and turtles.     

Mitochondrial genome maintenance: roles for nuclear nonhomologous end-joining proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions are associated with sporadic and inherited diseases and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Approximately 85% of mtDNA deletions identified in humans are flanked by short directly repeated sequences; however, mechanisms by which these deletions arise are unknown. A limitation in deciphering these mechanisms is the essential nature of the mitochondrial genome in most living cells. One exception is budding yeast, which are facultative anaerobes and one of the few organisms for which directed mtDNA manipulation is possible. Using this model system, we have developed a system to simultaneously monitor spontaneous direct-repeat-mediated deletions (DRMDs) in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. In addition, the mitochondrial DRMD reporter contains a unique KpnI restriction endonuclease recognition site that is not present in otherwise wild-type (WT) mtDNA. We have expressed KpnI fused to a mitochondrial localization signal to induce a specific mitochondrial double-strand break (mtDSB). Here we report that loss of the MRX (Mre11p, Rad50p, Xrs2p) and Ku70/80 (Ku70p, Ku80p) complexes significantly impacts the rate of spontaneous deletion events in mtDNA, and these proteins contribute to the repair of induced mtDSBs. Furthermore, our data support homologous recombination (HR) as the predominant pathway by which mtDNA deletions arise in yeast, and suggest that the MRX and Ku70/80 complexes are partially redundant in mitochondria.     

Differential transmission of the Cucumis organellar genomes

 Although plants generally show maternal transmission of the organellar genomes, previous research has demonstrated that the mitochondrial (mt) genome of cucumber is paternally transmitted. In this study, we identified RFLPs in the organellar genomes of melon, squash, and watermelon to establish organellar DNA transmission. Serial dilutions of DNA demonstrated that our hybridizations revealed the presence of a polymorphic cytoplasm when it represented at least 1% of the DNA sample. At this level of sensitivity, the chloroplast genomes of melon, squash, and watermelon were maternally transmitted. The mitochondrial genomes of squash and watermelon were maternally transmitted; however, melon, like cucumber, showed paternal transmission of the mitochondrial genome. Because most angiosperms and the related genera Cucurbita and Citrullus show maternal transmission of the mtDNA, paternal transmission in Cucumis is likely the derived state. The Cucumis mitochondrial genomes are several-fold larger than those of other cucurbits. Based on 55 probe-enzyme combinations, mtDNA size differences could not be explained by duplication of the entire genome or partial duplication of regions hybridizing with the mitochondrial probes. Because the chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear genomes of Cucumis are differentially transmitted, this genus is an excellent system to study the role of intergenomic transfer in the evolution of extremely large mitochondrial genomes. Received: 20 November 1997 / Accepted: 30 December 1997     

The Mitochondrial Genome of an Aquatic Plant,Spirodela polyrhiza

Background

Spirodela polyrhiza is a species of the order Alismatales, which represent the basal lineage of monocots with more ancestral features than the Poales. Its complete sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) genome could provide clues for the understanding of the evolution of mt genomes in plant.

Methods

Spirodela polyrhiza mt genome was sequenced from total genomic DNA without physical separation of chloroplast and nuclear DNA using the SOLiD platform. Using a genome copy number sensitive assembly algorithm, the mt genome was successfully assembled. Gap closure and accuracy was determined with PCR products sequenced with the dideoxy method.

Conclusions

This is the most compact monocot mitochondrial genome with 228,493 bp. A total of 57 genes encode 35 known proteins, 3 ribosomal RNAs, and 19 tRNAs that recognize 15 amino acids. There are about 600 RNA editing sites predicted and three lineage specific protein-coding-gene losses. The mitochondrial genes, pseudogenes, and other hypothetical genes (ORFs) cover 71,783 bp (31.0%) of the genome. Imported plastid DNA accounts for an additional 9,295 bp (4.1%) of the mitochondrial DNA. Absence of transposable element sequences suggests that very few nuclear sequences have migrated into Spirodela mtDNA. Phylogenetic analysis of conserved protein-coding genes suggests that Spirodela shares the common ancestor with other monocots, but there is no obvious synteny between Spirodela and rice mtDNAs. After eliminating genes, introns, ORFs, and plastid-derived DNA, nearly four-fifths of the Spirodela mitochondrial genome is of unknown origin and function. Although it contains a similar chloroplast DNA content and range of RNA editing as other monocots, it is void of nuclear insertions, active gene loss, and comprises large regions of sequences of unknown origin in non-coding regions. Moreover, the lack of synteny with known mitochondrial genomic sequences shed new light on the early evolution of monocot mitochondrial genomes.     

Evolutionary Dynamics of Mitochondrial DNA Duplications in Parthenogenetic Geckos, Heteronotia Binoei

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from triploid parthenogenetic geckos of the Heteronotia binoei complex varies in size from 17.2 to 27.6 kilobases (kb). Comparisons of long vs. short genomes using restriction endonucleases revealed a series of tandem direct duplications ranging in size from 1.2 to 10.4 kb. This interpretation was supported by transfer-hybridization experiments which also demonstrated that coding sequences were involved. Some of the duplications have been modified by deletion and restriction site changes, but no other rearrangements were detected. Analysis of the phylogenetic and geographic distribution of length variation suggests that duplications have arisen repeatedly within the parthenogenetic form of H. binoei. The parthenogens, and thus the duplications, are of recent origin; modifications of the duplicated sequences, particularly by deletion, has therefore been rapid. The absence of duplications from the mtDNA of the diploid sexual populations of H. binoei reinforces the correlation between nuclear polyploidy and duplication of mtDNA sequences reported for other lizards. In comparison to the genomes of sexual H. binoei and of most other animals, the mtDNA of these parthenogenetic geckos is extraordinarily variable in length and organization.     

Primers for a PCR-based approach to mitochondrial genome sequencing in birds and other vertebrates.

A PCR-based approach to sequencing complete mitochondrial genomes is described along with a set of 86 primers designed primarily for avian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This PCR-based approach allows an accurate determination of complete mtDNA sequences that is faster than sequencing cloned mtDNA. The primers are spaced at about 500-base intervals along both DNA strands. Many of the primers incorporate degenerate positions to accommodate variation in mtDNA sequence among avian taxa and to reduce the potential for preferential amplification of nuclear pseudogenes. Comparison with published vertebrate mtDNA sequences suggests that many of the primers will have broad taxonomic utility. In addition, these primers should make available a wider variety of mitochondrial genes for studies based on smaller data sets.     

Complex pattern of coalescence and fast evolution of a mitochondrial rRNA pseudogene in a recent radiation of tiger beetles

Transposed copies of mitochondrial DNA into the nucleus (numts) are widespread, but to date they have not been described from the Coleoptera (beetles). Here we report the discovery of a numt derived from a mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene in Australian tiger beetles (genus Rivacindela). The loss of function of the numt was confirmed by high proportion of transversions, numerous noncompensatory substitutions in stem regions, and large deletions in functionally important sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of orthologous numt sequences was performed together with the corresponding mtDNA lineage for a study of origination and establishment of the transposed copies in closely related populations and species. All numt sequences were strongly supported to be monophyletic, indicating a single origin of this element. However, populations were polymorphic for the presence of the numt, and phylogenetic trees based on the numt sequences showed inconsistencies with the corresponding mtDNA phylogeny, suggesting slower processes of fixation compared to the mtDNA sequences. In a side-by-side comparison with their mtDNA sister lineage, the nucleotide substitution rate of 1.66 x 10(-8) substitutions/site/year in the numts was approximately equal to the average rate of mtDNA in this group but substantially higher than previous estimates of neutral nuclear rates in vertebrates. The numt clade was affected by several deletions but no insertions, with estimates of nucleotide loss exceeding the rate of nucleotide substitutions by approximately five times. The young age of the Rivacindela numt clade, their absence in species outside of a narrow lineage of related individuals, and the high rate of deletions suggest that insertions do not persist in this group, which is consistent with the view that comparatively small genomes as those of Coleoptera harbor fewer mitochondrial and other nuclear pseudogenes.     

Analysis of nuclear copies of mitochondrial sequences in honeybee (Apis mellifera) genome

At least 0.08% of the Apis mellifera nuclear genome contains sequences that originated from mitochondria. These nuclear copies of mitochondrial sequences (numts) are scattered all over the honeybee chromosomes and have originated by multiple independent insertions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as evident by phylogenetic analysis. Apart from original insertions, moderate duplications of numts also contributed to the present pattern and distribution of mitochondrial sequences in honeybee chromosomes. Assimilation of mitochondrial genes in the nuclear genome is mediated by extensive fragmentations of the original inserts. Replication slippage seems to be a major mechanism by which small sequences are inserted or deleted from mtDNA destined to nucleus. Most of the honeybee numts (84%) are located in the nongenic regions. The majority (94%) of the numts that are located in predicted nuclear genes have originated from mitochondrial genes coding for cytochrome oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase subunits. On the other hand, the mitochondrial rRNA or tRNA gene sequences are predominantly (88%) located in nongenic regions of the genome. Evidences also support for exertion of purifying selection on numts located in specific genes. Comparative analysis of numts of European, African, and Africanized honeybees suggests that numt evolution in A. mellifera is probably not demarked by speciation time frame but may be a continuous and dynamic process.