Summary
On the basis of genetic, physiological and biochemical data an attempt is made to explain the syndrome of senescence in Podospora anserina. A covalently closed circular DNA (ccc DNA) found only in aging mycelia is considered as the causative agent. It is assumed that during the juvenile phase this species of DNA is an integrated part of the mitochondrial genome. During the presenescent phase it becomes independent from the chondriome and begins to replicate within the mitochondrion. This amplification leads progressively to the senescent phase, where the mitochondria desintegrate and ccc DNA molecules are liberated which are able to propagate autonomously in the cytoplasm and transmit senescence through infection involving cytoplasmic exchange.
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Communicated by F. Kaudewitz
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Esser, K., Tudzynski, P., Stahl, U. et al. A model to explain senescence in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina by the action of plasmid like DNA. Molec. Gen. Genet. 178, 213–216 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267231
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00267231