Abstract
The mitochondrial (petite) mutation in yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was discovered first in the laboratory of Ephrussi in 1949. A number of studies In this field have been reported during the past 37 years. Our current knowledge about mitochondrial genetics is based on the studies of this unicellular eukaryote. The aim of this review is to present a suitable point to step back and look at the petite mutation in a broader context. Also, the probable course of petite mutation by ethidium and ethidium analogs is discussed.
