Original paper

Molecular relationships within mosses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences

Capesius, Ingrid; Stech, Michael

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Nova Hedwigia Band 64 Heft 3-4 (1997), p. 525 - 533

33 references

published: Sep 22, 1997

DOI: 10.1127/nova.hedwigia/64/1997/525

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ArtNo. ESP050006403012, Price: 29.00 €

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Abstract

Complete 18S rRNA gene sequences from 19 mosses (2 Sphagnidae, 17 Bryidae) were determined, fitted into an alignment and used to construct "polygenetic" trees according to the maximum parsimony principle and the neighbour-joining method. The cladistic analysis of the molecular data allows three definite statements: 1. The Sphagnidae are a sister group to the Bryidae. 2. Within the Bryidae, the Polytrichales and Funariales are clearly separated. 3. Orthotrichum does not belong to the Hypnobryanae, which are paraphylectic. The other Bryidae cannot be separated completeley because of too similar sequences, indicating that these mosses are evolutionary younger.

Keywords

18S rRNA • sequence analysis • molecular relationships • Bryophyta • mosses