Identification and mapping of tRNA genes on the Helianthus annuus mitochondrial genome

The physical map for seventeen WNA genes on the mitochondrial genome of the dicotyledonous plant Heiianthus annuus has been established. Eleven are genuine mitochondrial genes, while the other six show a high degree of similarity with the chloro-plast counterparts. The genes, with the exception of the genuine trnS(GCT) and of the chloroplast-like trnV and tmP, are expressed. The comparison of the organization of some tRNA genes in the H. annuus mitochondrial genome with that of similar genes detectable in other plants reveals that their association is common to several dicotyledons.