Journal of Phylogenetics & Evolutionary Biology

Origin of Nuclear Mitochondrial Pseudogenes (Numts)

Abstract

Nasser-eddin Rateb Dweik

Mitochondria are well-defined cytoplasmic organelles of eukaryotic cells, which take part in various cellular metabolic functions, mainly cellular respiration. Several researchers have tried to validate the mechanism of gene transfer between the mitochondria and the cell nucleus. However, some scientific facts show it is very difficult or even impossible for a researcher to confirm DNA transfer process from a living organelle, because mitochondria possess certain specific features that prevent certainty of the DNA transfer process: Such as; dynamicity of mitochondrial organelles, exist in big numbers, can change its location, size and shape, however, gene transfer techniques lack precision. Healthy active mitochondrion has perfect double membranes that sustain its function of keeping in all its constituents. So, most probably the pseudogenes or Numts that are detected in eukaryotic nuclei do not come from living mitochondria rather from aged degraded ones. However, it may come from misplaced DNA segments resulted from any gene transfer process.