Single-organelle DNA-sequencing of chloroplasts and mitochondria in Arabidopsis thaliana

We reported on a method for "single-organelle genome analysis" in which mitochondria and chloroplasts from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana are isolated one by one and their DNA sequenced, and the results of its application.

We have expanded the droplet-based single amplified genome (SAG)-gel workflow developed in our laboratory to plant organelles, and developed a protocol covering gentle fractionation and removal of free DNA, droplet encapsulation, multiple displacement amplification (MDA), fluorescent sorting, and library preparation.

The organelle genome sequence profiles from leaf tissue were more uniform in chloroplasts, whereas mitochondria showed more fragmentation, reflecting heterogeneity among single organelles.

This method will serve as an experimental platform for analyzing organelle genome recombination and rearrangement. We are currently continuing to improve the method, such as optimizing amplification conditions suitable for organelle analysis.

Single-organelle DNA-sequencing of chloroplasts and mitochondria in Arabidopsis thaliana .

Xiang Z, Takahashi K, Zhou C, Takanashi H, Arimura SI, Hosokawa M .

BMC Plant Biol . 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1186/s12870-026-08232-3 .