Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Karelinia caspia (Pall.) Less. (Compositae)

Area of Science:

• Plant genomics
• Molecular evolution
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Karelinia caspia is a perennial herbaceous plant with significant economic, nutritional, and medicinal value.
• This species is prevalent in arid, desertified, and saline-alkali environments, highlighting its ecological importance and potential for phytoremediation.
• Understanding the genetic makeup of K. caspia is crucial for its conservation and utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To sequence and characterize the complete chloroplast genome of Karelinia caspia.
• To provide a genomic resource for future research into the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of K. caspia.
• To establish a foundation for exploring the genetic basis of adaptations to harsh environments.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and sequencing of the complete chloroplast DNA from Karelinia caspia.
• Bioinformatic analysis to assemble the genome, identify genes, and analyze its structure.
• Identification and characterization of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) within the chloroplast genome.

Main Results:

• The complete chloroplast genome of K. caspia was determined to be 151,239 bp in length.
• The genome structure features two inverted repeats (IRs) flanking a large single-copy (LSC) and a small single-copy (SSC) region.
• A total of 129 genes were annotated, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Additionally, 62 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified.

Conclusions:

• This study reports the first complete chloroplast genome sequence for Karelinia caspia.
• The genomic data provides essential resources for investigating the evolutionary relationships and genetic variation within K. caspia.
• The findings will facilitate future research on the genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms of this ecologically important plant species.