Endemic Species In Korea Research Articles

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ligustrum foliosum (Oleaceae), a species endemic to the Ulleungdo Island, Korea

We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ligustrum foliosum Nakai, an endemic species of Korea. The plastome was 165,731 bp long, with a large single copy (90,009 bp), a small single copy (11,448 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (32,137 bp). Moreover, 113 genes were encoded, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 18 species using concatenated 78 protein-coding genes (excluding one pseudogene) revealed that L . foliosum is most closely related to L. quihoui , having strong bootstrap values. This study is the first report of the chloroplast genome of L . foliosum and provides important information for future phylogenetic studies on Ligustrum and distinguishing closely related species of Ligustrum .

The Dormancy Types and Germination Characteristics of the Seeds of Berberis koreana Palibin, an Endemic Species of Korea

Berberis koreana Palibin is an endemic plant native to Korea. In this study, we aimed to study the seed germination of this species using a water imbibition experiment, gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg·L−1), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 4 °C), move-along experiment, and phenology studies. In the water imbibition experiment, the weight of the seeds increased by more than 120% in 24 h. An analysis of the internal and external morphological characteristics of the seed revealed that the embryo was already fully grown from the fruit and did not grow thereafter. The final germination percentages for the cold stratification at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks at 4 °C were 12 ± 3.65, 32 ± 9.09, 59 ± 1.00, 59 ± 9.59, and 71 ± 1.91%, respectively. In the move-along experiment and phenology studies, a longer low-temperature treatment period resulted in a higher germination percentage. However, the GA3 treatment had little effect on the seed germination. Our results indicate that B. koreana exhibits an intermediate physiological seed dormancy.

The complete chloroplast genome of Elsholtzia byeonsanensis M. Kim, an endemic species in Korea

Elsholtzia byeonsanensis M. Kim. is an endemic species in Korea, and its leaves are distinguished from other taxa of Elsholtzia by the leathery texture. In this study, we first presented the complete chloroplast genome of E. byeonsanensis. The complete chloroplast genome was 150,628 bp, including a large-single copy region (LSC) of 82,738 bp, a small-single copy region (SSC) of 17,492 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,199 bp. It contained 112 genes including 78 protein-coding genes, four rRNA, and 30 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that E. byeonsanensis and E. splendens formed a monophyletic clade and showed a close relationship. The complete chloroplast genome of E. byeonsanensis will provide useful information for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.

The complete chloroplast genome of Aruncus aethusifolius (Rosaceae), a species endemic to Korea

Aruncus aethusifolius (H. Lév.) Nakai is an endemic species in Korea and is economically important as an ornamental herb. The complete chloroplast genome of A. aethusifolius is 157,217 bp long with four subregions consisting of 85,207 bp of large singlecopy and 19,222 bp of small single-copy regions separated by 26,394 bp of inverted repeat regions. The genome includes 131 genes (86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrates that the chloroplast genome of A. aethusifolius was sister to A. dioicus var. kamtschaticus, forming the strongly supported clade of Aruncus. This is the first report of the chloroplast genome of A. aethusifolius.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean endemic species Cobitis hankugensis (Kim, Park, Son & Nalbant, 2003)

As one of efforts to conserve a genetic resource of the endemic cobitid species in the Korean peninsula, the complete mitogenome of Cobitis hankugensis (Kim, Park, Son & Nalbant, 2003) was determined using Illumina MiSeq system. The circular mitogenome was 16,557 bp length and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. Only the COX1 gene was identified with an aberrant initiation codon GTG, and an incomplete termination codon (T—/TA–) was identified in six PCGs including COX2, COX3, ND2, ND3, ND4, and Cytb genes. Phylogenetic analysis using 30 mitochondrial genomes belonging to Cobitidae, Botiidae, and Gyrinocheilidae showed that the highest identity (92.38%) with Kichulchoia brevifasciata (NC_027166). The complete mitogenome of C. hankugensis, an endemic species in Korea, will provide fundamental data on the evolutionary relationship of Cobitidae species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Abeliophyllum distichum f. lilacinum Nakai (Oleaceae) from the Chungbuk Province, Korea

The chloroplast genome of Abeliophyllum distichum f. lilacinum Nakai, classified to a monotypic in this genus, and an endemic species in Korea, was sequenced to understand the genetic differences among intraspecies and cultivars of A. distichum. The chloroplast genome length is 156,015 bp (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has a typical quadripartite structure: 86,779 bp large single copy (35.8%) and 17,828 bp small single copy (31.9%) regions separated by two 25,704 bp inverted repeat (43.2%) regions. The genome encodes for 133 genes (88 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Six to 99 SNPs and seven to 18 INDEL regions (19 bp to 72 bp) were identified against available chloroplast genomes of A. distichum. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum f. lilacinum is clustered with the Dae Ryun cultivar which has a larger fruit body. Our analyses suggest additional research, such as Genotyping-By-Sequencing, for understanding relationship between morphology and genotype of A. distichum.

A report of the second chloroplast genome sequence in Veronica nakaiana (Plantaginaceae), an endemic species in Korea

Veronica nakaiana Ohwi (Plantaginaceae) is an endemic taxon on Ulleungdo Island, Korea. We report the second complete chloroplast genome sequence of V. nakaiana. Its genome size is 152,319 bp in length, comprising a large single-copy of 83,195 bp, a small single-copy of 17,702 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 25,711 bp. The complete genome contains 115 genes, including 51 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes, and 31 tRNA genes. When comparing the two chloroplast genomes of V. nakaiana, 11 variable sites are recognized: seven SNPs and four indels. Two substitutions in the coding regions are recognized: rpoC2 (synonymous substitution) and rpl22 (nonsynonymous substitution). In nine noncoding regions, one is in the tRNA gene (trnK-UUU), one is in the intron of atpF, and seven are in the intergenic spacers (trnH-GUG~psbA, trnK-UUU, rps16~trnQ-UUG, trnC-GCA~petN, psbZ~trnG-GCC, ycf3~trnS-GGA, ycf4~cemA, and psbB~psbT). The data provide the level of genetic variation in V. nakaiana. This result will be a useful resource to formulate conservation strategies for V. nakaiana, which is a rare endemic species in Korea.

A chloroplast genome of Forsythia saxatilis (Nakai) Nakai, an endemic species in Korea

Forsythia saxatilis (Nakai) Nakai is an endemic species in Korea. We present the second complete chloroplast genome sequence of F. saxatilis showing that the chloroplast genome is 156,376 bp in length containing four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,097 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,859 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,710 bp. The genome contains 131 genes including 88 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs. We found 40 base differences in 17 sites between our chloroplast genome and the previously reported chloroplast genome sequences of F. saxatilis. All of the differences were found in a region of 832 bp in the LSC region except for one site, which indicated potential sequencing errors in building the previously reported genome because of little substitutions in the homologous region of the other Forsythia species and even of Abeliophyllum distichum, a sister to Forsythia. The new chloroplast genomes of F. saxatilis and those of F. x intermedia and F. viridissima are identical, which suggests that F. saxatilis is maternally closely related to the other two species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Aconitum puchonroenicum Uyeki & Sakata (Ranunculaceae), a rare endemic species in Korea

The chloroplast genome sequence of Aconitum puchonroenicum Uyeki & Sakata, a rare endemic species in Korea, was characterized through de novo assembly with next-generation sequencing data. The chloroplast genome is 155,631 bp in length and contains 4 rRNA genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 78 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship of A. pseudolaeve with other species belonging to Aconitum subgn. Lycoctonum in Ranunculaceae.

Characteristic of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Data in Wangpi-cheon Basin

The aim of this study conducted to collect and produce survey data on the distribution status of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Wangpi-cheon Basin (2017), which has been designated and managed as an Ecological Landscape Conservation Area (2005). A total 153 species of benthic macroinvertebrates in 74 families, 18 orders, 8 classes and 5 phyla were collected including 8 Endemic Species of Korea and 16 Out-of-the-country Transportation Permit Required Species. The dominant species was Simulium sp. (16.1 %), and the subdominant species was Chironomus sp. (7.4 %).

Genetic diversity and structure of an endangered medicinal herb: implications for conservation.

Human-driven habitat fragmentation leads to spatial isolation of endangered plant species increasing extinction risk. Understanding genetic variability and population structure of rare and isolated plant species is of great importance for assessing extinction risk and setting up conservation plans. Aconitum austrokoreense, an endangered and endemic species in Korea, is a perennial herb commonly used for medicinal purposes. We used five nuclear microsatellites and one chloroplast marker to investigate genetic diversity and population structure for 479 individuals of A. austrokoreense from seven populations throughout South Korea. A multivariate approach, discriminant analysis of principal components analysis, revealed broad-scale spatial patterns of A. austrokoreense populations across three major mountains that were composed of seven genetically distinct subgroups. High pairwise FST values (mean FST = 0.35; highest FST = 0.55) suggested significant differentiation among populations. Overall within population genetic variation was low. Based on Mantel test, there was significant correlation between geographical and genetic distances indicating pattern of isolation by distance. Our results suggest that A. austrokoreense populations may have undergone recent population bottlenecks. Given the limited dispersal ability of the species and ongoing habitat fragmentation, population isolation may further be exacerbated leading to increased extinction risk.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Liobagrus mediadiposalis (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Amblycipitidae)

The south torrent catfish Liobagrus mediadiposalis (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Amblycipitidae) is an endemic species of Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence consisted of 16,534 base pairs (bp) encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and two non-coding regions. The overall base composition of L. mediadiposalis was G + C: 44.8%, A + T: 55.2%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis showed that L. mediadiposalis was closely related to Liobagrus reinii.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Aconitum pseudolaeve and Aconitum longecassidatum, and Development of Molecular Markers for Distinguishing Species in the Aconitum Subgenus Lycoctonum.

Aconitum pseudolaeve Nakai and Aconitum longecassidatum Nakai, which belong to the Aconitum subgenus Lycoctonum, are distributed in East Asia and Korea. Aconitum species are used in herbal medicine and contain highly toxic components, including aconitine. A. pseudolaeve, an endemic species of Korea, is a commercially valuable material that has been used in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes. Although Aconitum species are important plant resources, they have not been extensively studied, and genomic information is limited. Within the subgenus Lycoctonum, which includes A. pseudolaeve and A. longecassidatum, a complete chloroplast (CP) genome is available for only one species, Aconitum barbatum Patrin ex Pers. Therefore, we sequenced the complete CP genomes of two Aconitum species, A. pseudolaeve and A. longecassidatum, which are 155,628 and 155,524 bp in length, respectively. Both genomes have a quadripartite structure consisting of a pair of inverted repeated regions (51,854 and 52,108 bp, respectively) separated by large single-copy (86,683 and 86,466 bp) and small single-copy (17,091 and 16,950 bp) regions similar to those in other Aconitum CP genomes. Both CP genomes consist of 112 unique genes, 78 protein-coding genes, 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. We identified 268 and 277 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in A. pseudolaeve and A. longecassidatum, respectively. We also identified potential 36 species-specific SSRs, 53 indels, and 62 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the two CP genomes. Furthermore, a comparison of the three Aconitum CP genomes from the subgenus Lycoctonum revealed highly divergent regions, including trnK-trnQ, ycf1-ndhF, and ycf4-cemA. Based on this finding, we developed indel markers using indel sequences in trnK-trnQ and ycf1-ndhF. A. pseudolaeve, A. longecassidatum, and A. barbatum could be clearly distinguished using the novel indel markers AcoTT (Aconitum trnK-trnQ) and AcoYN (Aconitum ycf1-ndhF). These two new complete CP genomes provide useful genomic information for species identification and evolutionary studies of the Aconitum subgenus Lycoctonum.

Morphological characteristics and DNA barcode of Leptaulax koreanus Nomura, Kon, Johki & Lee (Coleoptera, Passalidae), an endemic species of Korea

Leptaulax koreanus (Nomura, Kon, Johki & Lee), an endemic species of Korea, inhabits only in the Gwangneung Forest in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do. It was reported as a new species in 1993 by Nomura et al. In this study, its external morphological features were investigated and described, and its DNA barcode was obtained and presented as part of the basic research for the conservation of this species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Saussurea polylepis (Asteraceae), a vulnerable endemic species of Korea

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Saussurea polylepis, one of vulnerable and endemic species of Korea, was determined. The genome size was 152,488 bp in length with 37.7% GC content. It included a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 25,191 bp, which were separated by small single copy (SSC: 18,689 bp) and large single copy (LSC: 83,417 bp) regions. The cp genome contained 113 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined 80 protein coding genes and four rRNA genes showed that S. polylepis was closely related to S. chabyoungsanica.

Vegetation Structure and Flora of Iris koreana Nakai, Endemic Species in Korea

Vegetation Structure and Flora of Iris koreana Nakai, Endemic Species in Korea

Habitats Environmental and Population Characteristics of Iris koreana Nakai, a Rare and Endemic Species in Korea

Habitats Environmental and Population Characteristics of Iris koreana Nakai, a Rare and Endemic Species in Korea

The complete plastid genome of Scopolia parviflora (Dunn.) Nakai (Solanaceae)

Scopolia parviflora of the family Solanaceae is an endemic species of Korea and a traditional Korean medicinal plant. The plastid genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. The characterized cp genome is 156,193 bp in size; the large single-copy (LSC) region is 86,364 bp, the inverted repeat (IR) is 25,905 bp, and the small single copy (SSC) region is 18,019 bp. The overall GC content of the plastid genome amounts to 37.61%. The cp genome contains 113 genes and 21 introns, including 80 proteincoding genes, four RNA genes, 30 tRNA genes, 20 group II introns, and one group I intron. A phylogenetic analysis showed that Scopolia parviflora was closely related to Hyoscyamus niger.

Complete mitogenome sequences of a Korean spine loach, Iksookimia koreensis (Kim, 1975)

In this article, we present the complete mitogenome sequences from a Korean spine loach (Iksookimia koreensis Kim, 1975), an endemic species of Korea. The total length of mitogenome was 16,563 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one control region (D-loop). Except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes were encoded on the heavy strand. The control region harbored conserved sequence blocks (CSB-D, E, F, CSB-1, CBS-2 and CBS-3) and TA-nucleotide microsatellite repeats in its 3′ end. Our complete mitogenome will be valuable resource for phylogeny, genetics and conservation of the genus Iksookimia.

Genetic diversity and structure analyses on the natural populations of diploids and triploids of tiger lily, Lilium lancifolium Thunb., from Korea, China, and Japan

Tiger lily, Lilium lancifolium Thumb. is an endemic species in Korea. Genetic structure and diversity of diploid and triploid tiger lily accessions were analyzed using SSRP and IRAP molecular markers. All genetic indices analyzed showed that the diploids hold higher genetic variations compared to the triploids which were collected from Korea, China, and Japan. All variations found in triploids were also found in diploids to support the autotriploidy of L. lancifolium. It was also revealed that the triploid populations have experienced population regrowth from small population after population bottleneck. The population and phylogenetic analyses showed that analyzed tiger lilies were partitioned into three populations, Pop 1 from West Sea of Korean Peninsula, Pop 2 from South Sea of Korean Peninsula and Pop 3 of triploids in which many accessions of West Sea and South Sea were admixed in each partitioned group. Although the level of population differentiation is not extensive, FST analysis revealed some level of differentiation among the three populations. The analyses of genetic structure and phylogenetic dendrogram revealed admixture in some accessions among populations. All the results obtained in our analyses imply that autotriploid tiger lilies were originated from a small number of accessions of diploid L. lancifolium.