Genome size and cytogenetic features of the critically endangered Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq. (Apiaceae): Implications for conservation and future genomic research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36253/caryologia-3782Keywords:
Glehnia littoralis, genome size, flow cytometry, K-mer analysis, PloidyAbstract
Glehnia littoralis, a critically endangered coastal plant endemic to sandy beach habitats, plays a unique role in the ecology of fragile coastal ecosystems. Its genome was characterized using an integrated approach combining flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing, k-mer analysis, Smudgeplot, and cytogenetic validation. Flow cytometry estimated the genome size at ~2,913 Mb, while k-mer analysis under a diploid model (p = 2) revealed low heterozygosity (1.15%) and a high repeat content (80.87%), reflecting a relatively homogeneous yet highly repetitive genome shaped by historical whole-genome duplication events and transposon expansion. Smudgeplot patterns and cytogenetic analysis further confirmed the diploid status (2n = 22, x = 11) with a karyotype of 2n = 2x = 18m + 4sm (type 2A). These findings not only illuminate the evolutionary history and genomic architecture of this rare Apiaceae species but also offer critical insights into its adaptation to extreme coastal environments, providing valuable information for conservation strategies aimed at preserving this highly vulnerable, ecologically significant plant.
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