The chloroplast genome evolution in red algae by the horizontal gene transfer

Abstract

Red algae have an important role in marine ecosystems as primary producers and carbonate provider. Also, this lineage is one of important eukaryotic group in photosynthesis through the acquisition of chloroplast by the primary endosymbiosis of cyanobacterium. To date, however, only ten chloroplast genomes were reported from more than 6000 red algal species. To fill the gap of our understanding of chloroplast evolution, we determined and characterized complete chloroplast genome from Sprolithon durum, Gelidium elegans and G. vagum using NGS technology. We discuss evolutionary history of red algae with this newly analysed chloroplast genomes. of cyanobacterium. To date, however, only ten chloroplast genomes were reported from more than 6000 red algal species. To fill the gap of our understanding of chloroplast evolution, we determined and characterized complete chloroplast genome from Sprolithon durum, Gelidium elegans and G. vagum using NGS technology. We discuss evolutionary history of red algae with this newly analysed chloroplast genomes.