Secondary structure of nrDNA Internal Transcribed Spacers as a useful tool to align highly divergent species in phylogenetic studies.

ABSTRACT: Recently, it has been suggested that internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences are under selective constraints to preserve their secondary structure. Here, we investigate the patterns of the ITS nucleotide and secondary structure conservation across the Passiflora L. genus to evaluate the potential use of secondary structure data as a helpful tool for the alignment in taxonomically complex genera. Considering the frequent use of ITS, this study also presents a perspective on future analyses in other plant groups. The ITS1 and ITS2 sequences presented significant differences for mean values of the lowest energy state (LES) and for number of hairpins in different Passiflora subgenera. Statistical analyses for the subgenera separately support significant differences between the LES values a

SUBMITTER: Giudicelli GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5452138 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature