The ndhF chloroplast gene detected in all vascular plant divisions

Abstract

A 355-bp segment of the NADH dehydrogenase F (ndhF) gene from a representative of each nonflowering vascular plant division (Coniferophyta, Filicophyta, Ginkgophyta, Gnetophyta, Lyeophyta, Psilophyta, Sphenophyta) has been sequenced and aligned with those of rice, tobacco, and orchid and a liverwort. Because ndhF is apparently absent in the genus Pinus L. (Coniferophyta), it has been speculated that this gene may be absent in the gymnosperms. However, this study suggests that the absence of the cdhF gene in pinus may be unique and is not a general characteristics of the gymnosperms.