The comparison of four mitochondrial genomes reveals cytoplasmic male sterility candidate genes in cotton

The mitochondrial genomes of higher plants vary remarkably in size, structure and sequence content, as demonstrated by the accumulation and activity of repetitive DNA sequences. Incompatibility between mitochondrial genome and nuclear genome leads to non-functional male reproductive organs and results in cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). CMS has been used to produce F1 hybrid seeds in a variety of plant species.