The chloroplast gene matK, formerly known as ORF509, has been identified as one of the most rapidly evolving genes at the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid levels. This gene is located in the large single-copy region of the chloroplast genome, and placed between the 5’ and the 3’ exons of trnK (tRNA-lysine) within a group II intron. The matK RNA and protein levels are affected by light and developmental stages, suggesting functional roles for this putative maturase that affect in photosynthesis indirectly. The matK has been considered as one of the most useful genes for resolving phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships at a range of taxonomic levels, from closely related species to the generic, familial, and even supra-familial levels among land plants, especially Angiosperms. The matK as a DNA barcode for land plants showed high levels of discrimination among angiosperm species that can be used single or in combination with other genes.

Keywords: Angiosperms, matK gene, Phylogeny, maturase, DNA barcode

Full-Text [PDF 363 kb]   (5178 Downloads)