# The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Pinus bhutanica (Pinaceae) and its phylogenetic implications

## TL;DR

Researchers sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of the critically endangered Pinus bhutanica and found its closest relative within the pine genus.

## Contribution

The first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Pinus bhutanica is assembled and analyzed for phylogenetic relationships.

## Key findings

- The chloroplast genome of Pinus bhutanica is 116,919 bp long with a GC content of 38.75%.
- The genome contains 106 functional genes, including 72 protein-coding genes and 30 tRNA genes.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows P. bhutanica is most closely related to Pinus wangii in subsection Strobus.

## Abstract

Pinus bhutanica is a critically endangered conifer and occurs only in central Bhutan, northwestern Yunnan and southeastern Xizang in China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Pinus bhutanica was first assembled based on next-generation sequencing. The genome sequence was 116,919 bp in length with an overall GC content of 38.75%. A total of 106 functional genes were detected in the genome, including 72 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed by 12 chloroplast genomes revealed that P. bhutanica is most closely related to Pinus wangii in subsection Strobus of Pinus.