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Updated: May 6, 2026

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DNA polymorphism in Allium cepa cytoplasms and its implications concerning the origin of onions

A G de Courcel1, F Vedel, J M Boussac

  • 1Clause Semences Professionnelles, F-91221, Bretigny sur Orge, France.

TAG. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. Theoretische Und Angewandte Genetik
|November 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Researchers distinguished onion cytoplasms using DNA analysis. This study identified specific mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA patterns for S and M cytoplasms, aiding in understanding onion cytoplasmic male sterility.

Area of Science:

  • Plant genetics
  • Molecular biology
  • Agriculture

Background:

  • Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in onions is crucial for hybrid seed production.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of CMS is essential for breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between S and M cytoplasms in cultivated onions using DNA.
  • To characterize mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA patterns associated with different onion cytoplasms.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA from onion cultivars.
  • Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of isolated DNA.

Main Results:

  • Distinct RFLP patterns were observed for S and M cytoplasms.
  • S cytoplasm patterns were identical and linked to male sterility, with an open-pollinated variety identified as a potential origin.
  • M cytoplasm patterns were subdivided into four types, with M1/M2 resembling normal (N) and M3/M4 resembling T cytoplasms.
  • Chloroplast DNA patterns also differentiated S and M cytoplasms.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the genetic distinction between S, N, and T cytoplasms in onions.
  • DNA-based RFLP analysis is effective for classifying onion cytoplasms and understanding CMS origins.

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