Extended Data Fig. 6: Model of integration of exogenous DNA into the papaya genome.

By comparison between SunUp and its host Sunset genome, our results supported a precisely regulated model that essential events may be involved in integration of exogenous DNA into the plant genome via particle bombardment. Three transgenic insertions were integrated into a single site locus. Particle bombardment mediated transformation brought foreign DNA fragments into the NUPT-rich region, accompanied by the integration of chloroplast and mitochondrial genome fragments into nuclear genome and the translocation and rearrangement of the original NUPTs and NUMTs. Organellar DNA fragments were transferred to nuclear genome by the driving force. This force may be penetration of cells with DNA-coated metal particles that elicits a wound response. This wound response would activate DNA repair and degradation enzymes on the introduced DNA, making transgenic sequences and NUPTs and NUMTs rearrangement.