Insertion of short poly d(A) d(T) sequences at recombination junctions in mitochondrial DNA of Podospora

Abstract
We have characterized the DNA sequences at recombination points in the mitochondrial DNA of two independent mitochondrial mutants of Podospora anserina. These sequences reveal the presence of foreign DNA at each recombination border, consisting of short stretches of A and T residues. We discuss the possible origin of this DNA and suggest the involvement of a reverse transcriptase activity.