Chloroplast genetic system of higher plants: Chromosome replication,chloroplast division and elements of the transcriptional apparatus

摘要

DNA replication, transcription of the circular plastid genome and plastid division represent fundamental processes that take place in all types of the multifunctional, multiple-form plastids, The components of the plastid genetic system are highly expressed during early phases of chloroplast development corresponding to the establishment of 'housekeeping' functions before the onset of photosynthesis. A survey of fundamental and recent work is presented concerning plastid division, the organization of the plastid genome and the characterization of enzymes implicated in replication and transcription.