Chloroplast DNA diversity in the wild shrub Cytisus scoparius L. (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Cytoplasmic DNA (chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA) of 40 Cytisus scoparius individuals collected from four deciduous forests across Europe were studied using the PCR-RFLP technique. Twenty-one pairs of universal primers in combination with four restriction enzymes were screened for cpDNA and mtDNA amplification and restriction digestion profiles of the amplified fragments. In all, 10 primer-restriction enzyme combinations showed polymorphisms. Fourteen cpDNA haplotypes were found, of which 10 are unique to a population. All the populations are polymorphic in their haplotype composition. Intraspecific cpDNA diversity detected in this species will be useful for population genetic studies. High cpDNA diversity detected in the study must be dealt with cautiously when using chloroplast genomes for phylogenetic studies involving this species.