Intramolecular heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract
DNA from purified mitochondria of D. melanogaster can be isolated as supercoiled molecules which when nicked have a contour length of 5.9 .mu.m. Partial denaturation mapping shows regional heterogeneity of base composition with 1 early denaturing region, with a calculated GC [guanine-cytosine] content close to zero, extending over 20% of the genome. DNA isolated from unfertilized eggs shows nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in equal proportions; there was no evidence of other cytoplasmic species.