Related Experiment Videos
Combined molecular and morphological data for improving phylogenetic hypothesis in Dacrymycetes
Takashi Shirouzu1, Dai Hirose, Franz Oberwinkler
1Fungus/Mushroom Resource and Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Minami, Koyama, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
Mycologia
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Molecular phylogenetics reveals Dacrymycetes classification needs revision. A new genus, Unilacryma, is proposed for Dacrymyces unisporus due to its unique phylogenetic position and distinct morphological traits.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Systematics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The classification of Dacrymycetes fungi has traditionally relied on morphological characteristics.
- Previous studies have not fully resolved the evolutionary relationships within this fungal group.
- High-resolution phylogenetic analysis is needed to clarify Dacrymycetes taxonomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a high-resolution phylogenetic tree of Dacrymycetes using multiple gene regions.
- To compare molecular phylogenies with micro- and macromorphological characteristics.
- To re-evaluate the existing generic classification of Dacrymycetes.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of four gene regions: 28S and 18S rDNA, ITS, and rpb2.
- Comparative analysis of micro- and macromorphological features of representative species.
- Ancestral state reconstructions to infer evolutionary stability of traits.
Main Results:
- Molecular phylogenies did not align with traditional morphological classifications.
- Basidia and clamp connections showed evolutionary stability, while basidiocarps and basidiospore septation were variable.
- Dacrymyces unisporus, with unique basidial and basidiospore morphology, consistently occupied a sister position to other Dacrymycetes in phylogenies.
Conclusions:
- A new genus, Unilacryma, is proposed for Dacrymyces unisporus.
- The new family Unilacrymaceae and order Unilacrymales are introduced to accommodate Unilacryma.
- This study highlights the need for integrating molecular and morphological data for accurate fungal classification.