Mitochondrial DNA of Chenopodium album (L): a comparison of leaves and suspension cultures

The mitochondrial genome (mt genome) of Chenopodium album was analysed. It was found to have a size of about 270 kb and a GC content of 46%. The genomes of plant cells and suspension cultures were compared. Restriction fragment pattern analyses and hybridization experiments revealed quantitative and qualitative alterations. However, a comparison of the restriction fragment patterns of two independently established in vitro cultures did not reveal differences as far as the mt chromosomal DNA is concerned. Therefore, alterations in mtDNA induced by in vitro culture seem not to be caused by an entirely undirected process in Chenopodium. A plasmid-like DNA molecule was amplified in only one of the cultures investigated and not in the other or in the plant cells. This molecule has a length of 1,083 by and is referred to as Ca1 mp1.