Cp Genome Research Articles

The complete chloroplast genome of Camellia grijsii ‘zhenzhucha’, a variant cultivar with floral aroma

Camellia grijsii ‘zhenzhucha’ is a variant cultivar from Camellia grijsii, which is also called Camellia grijsii ‘juhuacha’.C. grijsii ‘zhenzhucha’ is an ornamental shrub with a floral aroma, and is oftenused in landscape. To provide genetic information for genetic research, we have sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. grijsii ‘zhenzhucha’ based on the Illumina Hiseq platform. The assembled complete cp genome of C. grijsii ‘zhenzhucha’ was 161,478 bp in length with 37.24% GC, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 59,942 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,294 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 20,293 bp. The cp genome was annotated with 130 functional genes, consisting of 81 protein-coding genes, 45 transporter RNAs, and 4 ribosomal RNAs. To obtain the phylogeny relationship, the cp genome of C. grijsii 'zhenzhucha'has been compared with other Camellia species, and the results indicate that C. grijsii 'zhenzhucha' is closely related to C. grijsii. This study provides fundamental information of C. grijsii 'zhenzhucha' cp genome, and has an important reference value for the evolutionary analysis.

The complete chloroplast genome of Tamarix ramosissima and comparative analysis of Tamaricaceae species

Tamarix ramosissima is a deciduous shrub that resides in arid and semi-arid regions. Although of ecological and medicinal values, some Tamarix species are considered invasive as they have dominated the riparian zones of dryland in some parts of the world. Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of T. ramosissima was sequenced and analyzed, showing a size of 156 150 bp and a GC content of 36.5 %. The plastome displayed a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26 554 bp, separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 84 795 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18 247 bp. The cp genome encoded 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A total of 32 repeat sequences and 64 simple sequence repeat (SSR) were identified in the plastome, and an obvious A/T bias was observed in the majority of the SSRs detected. By comparing the T. ramosissima cp genome with those of the other four Tamaricaceae species, a number of divergence hotspots were identified among these plastomes. Together with SSRs and long repeats identified, these divergence hotspots could be developed as potential molecular markers facilitating species discrimination and evolutionary studies. Using plastome sequences, we re-investigated the phylogenetic relationship among 19 species, and T. ramosissima was found to be a sister of Tamarix chinensis. Taken together, our study provides valuable genomic resources to deepen the understanding of plant photosynthetic mechanism and phylogenomics.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia zhaiana (Theaceae), a critically endangered species from China

Camellia zhaiana S.X. Yang (Theaceae) is a recently described species reported from Guangxi, China. It was proposed as a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. In this study, we report and characterize the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. zhaiana using Illumina pair-end sequencing data. This is the first report of a cp genome of a species classified in Camellia section. Longipedicellata. The cp genome of C. zhaiana is 156,627 bp in length and includes a large single-copy region (LSC, 86,196 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,281 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,075 bp). The genome contains 135 genes, including 40 tRNA, eight rRNA, and 87 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed a strongly supported sister relationship between C. zhaiana and C. longipedicellata, which is a species classified in sect. Longipedicellata. These data support the previous systematic findings of C. zhaiana and advance the bioinformatics of the genus Camellia.

Reference-based assembly of chloroplast genome from leaf transcriptome data of Pterocarpus santalinus.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02943-0.

Chloroplast Genome Sequencing, Comparative Analysis, and Discovery of Unique Cytoplasmic Variants in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

Here we report on comprehensive chloroplast (cp) genome analysis of 16 pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes representing commercial cultivars, ornamental and wild types, through large-scale sequencing and assembling using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the size of cp genomes varied from 158,593 bp (in wild, “1201” and “1181”) to 158,662 bp (cultivar, “Gul-e-Shah Red”) among the genotypes, with characteristic quadripartite structures separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs). The higher conservation for the total number of coding and non-coding genes (rRNA and tRNA) and their sizes, and IRs (IR-A and IR-B) were observed across all the cp genomes. Interestingly, high variations were observed in sizes of large single copy (LSC, 88,976 to 89,044 bp) and small single copy (SSC, 18,682 to 18,684 bp) regions. Although, the structural organization of newly assembled cp genomes were comparable to that of previously reported cp genomes of pomegranate (“Helow,” “Tunisia,” and “Bhagawa”), the striking differences were observed with the Lagerstroemia lines, viz., Lagerstroemia intermedia (NC_0346620) and Lagerstroemia speciosa (NC_031414), which clearly confirmed previous findings. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis also revealed that members outside the genus Punica were clubbed into a separate clade. The contraction and expansion analysis revealed that the structural variations in IRs, LSC, and SSC have significantly accounted for the evolution of cp genomes of Punica and L. intermedia over the periods. Microsatellite survey across cp genomes resulted in the identification of a total of 233 to 234 SSRs, with majority of them being mono- (A/T or C/G, 164–165 numbers), followed by di- (AT/AT or AG/CT, 54), tri- (6), tetra- (8), and pentanucleotides (1). Furthermore, the comparative structural variant analyses across cp genomes resulted in the identification of many varietal specific SNP/indel markers. In summary, our study has offered a successful development of large-scale cp genomics resources to leverage future genetic, taxonomical, and phylogenetic studies in pomegranate.

Characterizing chloroplast genomes and inferring maternal divergence of the Triticum–Aegilops complex

The Triticum (wheat)–Aegilops (goatgrass) complex has been extensively studied, but the evolutionary history of polyploid wheats has not been fully elucidated. The chloroplast (cp) with maternal inheritance and homoplasy can simplify the sequence-based evolutionary inferences, but informative inferences would require a complete and accurate cp genome sequence. In this study, 16 cp genomes representing five Aegilops and 11 Triticum species and subspecies were sequenced, assembled and annotated, yielding five novel circular cp genome sequences. Analyzing the assembled cp genomes revealed no marked differences in genome structure and gene arrangement across the assayed species. A polymorphism analysis of 72 published cp genome sequences representing 10 Aegilops and 15 Triticum species and subspecies detected 1183 SNPs and 1881 SSRs. More than 80% SNPs detected resided on the downstream and upstream gene regions and only 2.78% or less SNPs were predicted to be deleterious. The largest nucleotide diversity was observed in the short single-copy genomic region. Relatively weak selection pressure on cp coding genes was detected. Different phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the maternal divergence of the Triticum–Aegilops complex had three deep lineages each representing a diploid species with nuclear A, B, or D genome. Dating the maternal divergence yielded age estimates of divergence that matched well with those reported previously. The divergence between emmer and bread wheats occurred at 8200–11,200 years ago. These findings are useful for further genomic studies, provide insight into cp genome evolvability and allow for better understanding of the maternal divergence of the Triticum–Aegilops complex.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Paris polyphylla var. alba H.Li & R.J.Mitchell and its phylogenetic analysis

Paris polyphylla var. alba is a medicinal plant commonly used in the southwest of China. This study characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of P. polyphylla var. alba to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in Melanthiaceae. The cp genome of P. polyphylla var. alba is 165,079 base pairs (bp) in length with 36.96% G + C content. The cp genome is divided into (a) large single copy (LSC) (84,393 bp), (b) small single copy (SSC) (16,066 bp), and (c) two inverted regions (32,310 bp). The cp genome contains 135 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. polyphylla var. alba is closest to P. polyphylla var. emeiensis, and Paris had a close relationship with Trillium in Melanthiaceae.

Comparative Chloroplast Genomes of Four Lycoris Species (Amaryllidaceae) Provides New Insight into Interspecific Relationship and Phylogeny.

Simple SummaryThe genus Lycoris (Amaryllidaceae) comprises about 20 species with high ornamental and medicinal value. However, germplasm identification is still difficult due to frequent interspecific hybridization and intraspecific morphological variation within this genus. Plastid genome sequencing has been proven to be a useful tool to identify closely related species and is widely used in the field of plant evolution and phylogeny. In the present study, we provided four chloroplast genomes of Lycoris and retrieved seven published species in the genus for comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses. All these chloroplast genomes possess the typical quadripartite structure with conserved genome arrangement and gene content, yet their lengths varied due to expansion/contraction of the IR/SC boundaries. Phylogenetic relationships within Lycoris were resolved with high resolution using complete cp genome sequences. These results could not only offer a genome-scale platform for identification and utilization of Lycoris but also provide a phylogenomic framework for future studies in this genus.The genus Lycoris (Amaryllidaceae) consists of about 20 species, which is endemic to East Asia. Although the Lycoris species is of great horticultural and medical importance, challenges in accurate species identification persist due to frequent natural hybridization and large-scale intraspecific variation. In this study, we sequenced chloroplast genomes of four Lycoris species and retrieved seven published chloroplast (cp) genome sequences in this genus for comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses. The cp genomes of these four newly sequenced species were found to be 158,405–158,498 bp with the same GC content of 37.8%. The structure of the genomes exhibited the typical quadripartite structure with conserved gene order and content. A total of 113 genes (20 duplicated) were identified, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 11 species were clustered into three main groups, and L. sprengeri locate at the base of Lycoriss. The L. radiata was suggested to be the female donor of the L. incarnata, L. shaanxiensis, and L. squamigera. The L. straminea and L. houdyshelii may be derived from L. anhuiensis, L. chinensis, or L. longituba. These results could not only offer a genome-scale platform for identification and utilization of Lycoris but also provide a phylogenomic framework for future studies in this genus.

The complete chloroplast genomes of Camellia chrysanthoides and Camellia achrysantha

Camellia chrysanthoides H. T. Chang and Camellia achrysantha H. T. Chang et S. Y. Liang are two threatened yellow camellia species endemic to southwestern Guangxi, China. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of C. chrysanthoides and C. achrysantha for the first time. The total cp genome of C. chrysanthoides is 156,959 bp and contains a large single-copy (LSC, 86,564 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC, 18,267 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR, 26,064 bp) regions. The cp genome of C. achrysantha is 156,658 bp and includes an LSC region of 86,249 bp, SSC region of 18,243 bp, and two IR regions of 26,083 bp each. Both C. chrysanthoides and C. achrysantha have 136 genes, including 93 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes.

The complete chloroplast genome of Agave fourcroydes

Agave fourcroydes (henequen) is the only cultivated Agave species in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is mainly used for fiber production. In the present study, we have successfully assembled the chloroplast (cp) genome of A. fourcroydes. The full length of the cp genome is 157,291 bp with a GC content at 37.8%. The cp genome is constructed with an inverted repeat region a (IRa) of 26,573 bp, a small single copy region (SSC) of 18,230 bp, an inverted repeat region b (IRb) of 26,573 bp and a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,915 bp. The annotation result reveals 132 genes on the cp genome, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. Phylogenetic tree reveals that A. fourcroydes is closely related with A. sisalana.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia rostrata S. X. Yang & S. F. Chai (Theaceae), a critically endangered yellow camellia from southwest China

Camellia rostrata S. X. Yang & S. F. Chai is a recently described yellow camellia species from Guangxi, China. It is a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome based on next-generation sequencing technology. The complete cp genome of C. rostrata is 156,547 bp in length and consists of a large single-copy (LSC, 86,199 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC, 18,204 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 26,072 bp). The genome contains 135 genes including 40 tRNA, eight rRNA, and 87 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis resolved C. rostrata in a clade containing C. huana and C. impressinervis, both of which are classified to Camellia sect. Archecamellia. Our findings support the placement of C. rostrata in C. sect. Archecamellia as proposed by a previous study. The cp genome of C. rostrata provides valuable bioinformatic resources for the protection and utilization of this yellow camellia species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Polygonatum zanlanscianense (Pampanini, 1915) (Asparagaceae), an adulterants of Polygonati rhizoma

Polygonatum zanlanscianense Pamp. is a plant species of the genus Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) distributed widely in China. The complete chloroplast genome of P. zanlanscianense was sequenced by Illumina sequencing technology. The plastome is 155,609 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure, including one small single copy (SSC, 18,427 bp), one large copy (LSC, 84,438 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,372 bp each). The cp genome encoded 132 genes, including 38 tRNA, 8 rRNA, and 86 protein-coding genes. The overall GC content is 37.7%. The ML phylogenetic analysis based on the cp genomes indicated that the genus Polygonatum is sister to the genus Heteropolygonatum within the tribe Polygonateae, P. zanlanscianense is sister to P. cirrhifolium within the genus Polygonatum. This study provides an important theoretical foundation for varieties identification, the phylogenetic relationship of P. zanlanscianense. Furthermore, this article takes a radical reform of Polygonati rhizoma.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of medicinal plant: Peganum nigellastrum (Zygophyllaceae)

Peganum nigellastrum is a medicinal plant. The total chloroplast (cp) genome length of P. nigellastrum is 160,066 bp, Containing a large single copy region of 88,275 bp, two inverted repeat regions of 26,486 bp and a small single copy region of 18,855 bp. The chloroplast genome contains 132 complete genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (87 PCGs), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (8 rRNAs), and 37 tRNA genes (37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of cp DNA is 37.5%, the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.6%, 31.4%, and 42.8%. Phylogenetic tree shows that P. nigellastrum has the closest relationship with P. harmala.

The complete chloroplast genome of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. subtype Krishna Tulsi and its phylogenetic analysis

The complete chloroplast genome (cp) of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. subtype Krishna Tulsi was sequenced and assembled using Illumina paired-end sequencing data. The cp genome is 151,758 bp in length, including a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,794 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,592 bp, and a pair of inverted repeated (IR) region of 25,686 bp. The cp genome of Krishna Tulsi encodes 129 genes, including 90 protein-coding, 31 transfer RNA (tRNA), and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. While the overall GC content was 37.9%, it is 36.0%, 31.8%, and 43.1% in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genome sequences of 17 species from Lamiaceae revealed that O. tenuiflorum subtype Krishna Tulsi is clustered with other Ocimum species, and forms a clade with genera from family Lamiaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B. L. Burtt et A. W. Hill, an ancient and versatile plant

Choerospondias axillaris, an ancient and versatile plant of Anacardiaceae, which is widespread in eastern Asia. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. axillaris was generated and determined in this work. The genome of cp was 159,131 bp in length with a total GC content of 37.6%. The circular molecular genome presented a quadripartite structure, comprising a 91,305 bp large single-copy region (LSC), a 19,092 bp small single-copy region (SSC), and a pair of inverted repeat regions with 24,367 bp. The complete genome encoded 128 genes, including 83 protein coding, 37 tRNA and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. axillaris was most related to Sclerocarya birrea.

Complete chloroplast genome sequencing of five Salix species and its application in the phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus

In this study, whole chloroplast genomes of five Salix species (S. argyracea, S. dasyclados, S. eriocephala, S. integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, and S. suchowensis) were sequenced. These chloroplast genomes were 155 ,605, 155, 763, 155, 552, 155, 538, and 155 ,550 bp in length, harboring 131 genes (77 unigenes), 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 86 mRNA genes, respectively. The genes ycf1, psaI, ycf2-2, rpoC2, rpl22, atpF, and ndhF were under positive selection among the 21 Salix species. psaI, ycf2-2, atpF, and ycf1-2 were under positive selection between the tree willow and shrub willow, and rpoC2, rpl22, and ycf1-2 were positively selected among the shrub genomes. The gene rps7 was most variable among the genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of 21 Salix species and Chosenia arbutifolia provide evidence that the cp genome data partially support the relationship with traditional taxonomic concepts in the Flora of China. This chloroplast genome elucidates Salix taxonomy and provides evidence for evolutionary research.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Shepody (Solanaceae)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a species of the family Solanaceae, is the fourth most important food crop worldwide. Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Shepody is a long, smooth, white-skinned potato cultivar with medium green leaves. It has good specific gravity and boils and bakes well. To support more molecular data for breeding of S. tuberosum, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of S. tuberosum L. cv. Shepody was determined using the next-generation sequencing. In leaves, the chloroplast genome accounts for 3.88% of the total genome. The entire cp genome was determined to be 155,296 bp in length. It contained large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions of 85,737 and 18,373 bp, respectively, which were separated by a pair of 25,593 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The genome contained 132 total genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the genome is 37.9%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by 60 chloroplast genomes reveals that S. tuberosum L. cv. Shepody was closely related to S. tuberosum L. cv. Desiree with bootstrap support values of 100%.

The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Piptanthus concolor Craib (Leguminosae)

In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to sequence and functionally annotate the chloroplast genome of Piptanthus concolor. The total length of P. concolor chloroplast genome is 152,115 bp with the typical quadripartite structure. It contains two inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 26,233 bp each, which are separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,024 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,625 bp. The cp genome contained 111 genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole chloroplast genome showed that P. concolor was closely related to Ammopiptanthus.

The complete chloroplast genome of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) and phylogenetic relationships

The chloroplast (cp) is an essential organelle in higher plants. The genes of the plastome are well suited to infer phylogenetic relationships among taxa. In this study, we report the assembly of the cp genome of Artocarpus altilis and its phylogeny among species from Moraceae family. The cp genome of A. altilis was 160,822 base pair (bp) in length, comprising one large single-copy region of 88,692 bp, one small single-copy region of 19,290 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,420 bp. A total of 113 different genes were predicted, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis of 19 species belonging to the Moraceae family confirmed the phylogenetic proximity of the genus Artocarpus and Morus and the genetic similarity of A. camansi and A. altilis.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Murraya exotica (Rutaceae) from Yunnan Province, China

Murraya exotica L. (Rutaceae) has important horticultural and medicinal values. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of M. exotica using the next-generation sequencing method. The cp genome is 160,179 bp in length, including a large single-copy region (LSC, 87,726 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,465 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions 26,994 bp. A maximum-likelihood phylogenomic analysis showed that M. exotica was sister to Murraya paniculate. These findings will provide useful information for further investigation of cp genome evolution in Murraya.