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Molecular Phylogeny of the Heterotrichea (Ciliophora, Postciliodesmatophora) Based on Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences
Author(s) -
SCHMIDT STEPHANIE L.,
FOISSNER WILHELM,
SCHLEGEL MARTIN,
BERNHARD DETLEF
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of eukaryotic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 1066-5234
DOI - 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2007.00269.x
Subject(s) - biology , macronucleus , phylogenetic tree , phylogenetics , evolutionary biology , ribosomal rna , molecular phylogenetics , genetics , gene
. A comprehensive molecular analysis of the phylogenetic relationships within the Heterotrichea including all described families is still lacking. For this reason, the complete nuclear small subunit (SSU) rDNA was sequenced from further representatives of the Blepharismidae and the Stentoridae. In addition, the SSU rDNA of a new, undescribed species of the genus Condylostomides (Condylostomatidae) was sequenced. The detailed phylogenetic analyses revealed a consistent branching pattern: while the terminal branches are generally well resolved, the basal relationships remain unsolved. Moreover, the data allow some conclusions about the macronuclear evolution within the genera Blepharisma , Stentor , and Spirostomum suggesting that a single, compact macronucleus represents the ancestral state.