Molecular systematics of the genera Laurencia, Osmundea and Palisada (Rhodophyta) from the Canary Islands - Analysis of rDNA and RUBISCO spacer sequences

Abstract

The molecular systematics of Laurencia, Osmundea and Palisada (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) species from the Canary Islands has been determined by analysis sequences of the ribulose,1-5, bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBISCO) spacer from the plastid genome and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and the rDNA 5.8S coding region from the nuclear genome. Comparison of sequence data showed an identity of 72-83 % between the species. Three taxonomic group were identified that correspond to established phylogenetic taxons. Phylogenetic trees using both parsimony and maximum-likelihood methods were derived from the sequence data; the trees indicate that O. pinnatifida appears to be the most distantly related species from the Laurencia and Palisada species. The exact phylogenetic position of Laurencia sp. A (" amarilla") need additional studies.