The complete chloroplast genome of Cymbidium serratum (Orchidaceae): a rare and Endangered species endemic to Southwest China

Abstract

Cymbidium serratum is a dominant species in the large orchid family with beautiful flowers, thick petals, and long flowering periods, and has a long history of cultivation in Southwest China. However, its wild resources have been threatened with extinction due to environmental degradation and artificial exploitation. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of C. serratum was obtained through Illumina sequencing. The size of chloroplast genome of C. serratum is 149,998 bp, including large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions over 84,854 bp and 13,926 bp, respectively, and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,609 bp. The total GC content was 37.11%. The chloroplast genome contains 129 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree indicated that C. serratum is a sister species with the clade composed of C. faberi and C. goeringii. The complete chloroplast genome of C. serratum will contribute to protecting this highly endangered species, and provide genetic information about genetic diversity and sustainable use.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Cicer bijugum, Genome Organization, and Comparison with Related Species

“…Moreover, chloroplasts can be modified to give various agronomic characteristics to plants by using genetic engineering techniques and can be used as bioreactors in the production of commercial enzymes, biopharmaceutics, and vaccines [ 18 ]. Chloroplast genome is maternally inherited and has lots of genetic polymorphisms; therefore, it has a plentiful source of genetic information [ 26 , 27 ]. Chloroplast genome has a double-stranded circular structure, and its genome size is variable, usually ranging from 120 - 160 kb in plants.…”