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Plastid DNA is conserved, highly polyploid and uniform within a plant reflecting efficientplastid DNA replication/recombination/repair (DNA-RRR) pathways. We will review the current understandingof the DNA sequences, proteins, and mechanisms involved in plastid genome maintenance. This includesanalysis of the topological forms of plastid DNA, models of plastid DNA replication, homologous recombination,replication slippage, DNA repair, and plastid DNA-RRR-proteins. We will focus on flowering plantsbut include information from algae when relevant. Plastid DNA is comprised of a multimeric seriesof circular, linear, and branched forms. Variant plastid DNA molecules include small linear palindromeswith hairpin ends. Plastid transformation has demonstrated an efficient homologous recombinationpathway, acting on short ∼200  bp sequences, that is active throughout shoot development.These …