Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Juniperus microsperma (Cupressaceae), a rare endemic from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

The complete chloroplast genome of Juniperus microsperma, a rare endemic conifer from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau whose current status satisfies the IUCN Red List criteria of endangered species, was determined in this study. The genome size is 127,409 bp in length. The genome contained 119 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes and 33 transfer RNA genes. The most of genes occur as a single copy, while two genes occur in double copies (trnL-CAU and trnQ-UUG). In these genes, eight genes (atpF, ndhA, ndhB, rpoC1, petD, petB, rpl16 and rpl2) have a single intron, while two genes (rps12 and ycf3) harbor two introns. There are no inverted repeat sequences in this genome. The GC content of this cp genome is 35.0%. Phylogenomic analysis revealed a close relationship among J. microsperma, J. virginiana, J. scopulorum and J. bermudiana.