Mitochondrial nuclei (a complex of DNA and histone-like proteins) have been easily visualized as a compartment in the matrix of mitochondria. Mitochondria division thus can be clearly separated into two main events: division of the mitochondrial nuclei, and then division of the organelle matrix (so-called mitochondrial division, mitochondriokinesis). The mitochondriokinesis and chloroplastkinesis (so-called chloroplast division, division of stroma) were studied by using the primitive red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. The mitochondrial and chloroplast divisions were synchronized by light/dark cycles. The results have shown that the mitochondria division is controlled by four rings, such as ancient Z (FtsZ) ring, the inner and outer MD ring and dynamin ring which appear in that order. Surprisingly, very similar apparatus (Z, inner and outer PD ring, dynamin ring) plays an important role for chloroplast divisions, suggesting that the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts is one.
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