Evolutionary inferences based on ITS rDNA and actin sequences reveal extensive diversity of the common lichen alga Asterochloris (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta
2010
Abstract
The genus Asterochloris is one of the most common lichen photobionts. We present a molecular investigation of 41 cultured strains, for which nuclear-encoded ITS rDNA and partial actin I sequences were determined.
We recognized 16 well-supported monophyletic lineages, of which one represents the type species of the genus (Asterochloris phycobiontica), and six correspond to species previously classified to the genus Trebouxia. Only 15% of isolated photobionts considered in our study could be assigned with certainty to previously described species, emphasizing amazing cryptic variability in Asterochloris.
New combinations for the former Trebouxia species are proposed.