In vivo conformation of mitochondrial DNA in fungi and zoosporic moulds.

Migratory behaviour of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from fungal species belonging to Plectomycetes, Loculoascomycetes and the zoosporic moulds, Oomycetes, has been studied by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Electrophoretic profiles demonstrate that long, linear molecules of a heterogenous size are the prevailing in-vivo form of organelle DNA in all examined species. These profiles are consistent with the presence of the rolling-circle mode of mtDNA replication that occurs in all branches of true fungi and zoosporic moulds.