Tulip tree reveals mitochondrial genome of ancestral flowering plant
Monday, April 15, 2013 - 17:40
in Paleontology & Archaeology
The extraordinary level of conservation of the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) mitochondrial genome has redefined our interpretation of evolution of the angiosperms (flowering plants). This beautiful ‘molecular fossil’ has a remarkably slow mutation rate meaning that its mitochondrial genome has remained largely unchanged since the dinosaurs were roaming Earth.