ISSN:
1550-7408
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
During the last decade investigations of heterokont protists utilizing molecular methods have challenged established biosystematic concepts. Most investigations emphasized the chloroplast genome or sequences from nuclear-encoded, ribosomal genes. Refinement of DNA isolation protocols, advent of “universal primers” and the polymerase chain reaction, automated sequencing and increased accessibility of DNA sequence databases have expanded data-gathering efficiency and increased dataset sizes. Because independent datasets have been easier to obtain, the testing of specific phylogenetic hypotheses has been facilitated, altering relationship concepts, primarily at phylum/class levels, and perceptions of cellular evolution. New approaches have emphasized ecological studies and extended studies to genus/species levels and poorly investigated genomes. This paper reviews studies documenting these impacts and identifies some current limitations. Additionally, new DNA sequence data from our laboratory on nuclear-encoded rDNA internal transcribed spacers and the chloroplast-encoded psb A gene suggest that these regions will provide taxonomic resolution for the Synu-rophyceae, at the class/order level and subspecies level, respectively.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1550-7408.1996.tb04489.x
Permalink
