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A nuclear mutation affecting structure and function of mitochondria in Paramecium

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Summary

A slow growing mutant of Paramecium cl-1, deficient in type-a cytochrome is described: it differs from wild type by a recessive nuclear mutation and also by its mitochondria. Mitochondria of the mutant are “compatible” with gene cl-1, whereas mitochondria of the wild type are “incompatible” with this gene: they are spectacularly altered in the presence of a cl-1/cl-1 nucleus. However this incompatibility is temporary and mitochondria of wild type origin slowly become compatible with cl-1. The molecular basis of the incompatibility and the mechanism of its disappearance are discussed.

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Communicated by R. Devoret

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Sainsard, A., Claisse, M. & Balméfrézol, M. A nuclear mutation affecting structure and function of mitochondria in Paramecium . Molec. Gen. Genet. 130, 113–125 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00269083

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