[Structure and function of kinetoplast DNA of Trypanosomatidae]

Kinetoplast DNA of trypanosomatids represents a complex associate composed of mini- and maxicircular molecules, the latter being analogous to mitochondrial DNA of other eukaryotic species. Some new data on the structural organization and transcription of trypanosomatid mitochondrial genome are given. Detailed genetic and transcriptional maps of maxicircular kinetoplast DNAs of trypanosome and leishmania are presented. The replication mechanisms of mini- and maxicircular molecules of kinetoplast DNA are analyzed. Some characteristic features of trypanosomatid mitochondrial genome organization similar and different with respect to mitochondrial genomes of other eukaryotic species are discussed.