# Comparative Analysis of the Chloroplast Genomes of Grewia tembensis Fresen and Closely Related Species of Grewioideae Hochr: A Phylogenetic and Conservation Perspective

## TL;DR

This study compares the chloroplast genomes of Grewia tembensis and related species to understand their evolution and support conservation efforts.

## Contribution

The study provides a complete chloroplast genome of Grewia tembensis and identifies key genetic markers for phylogenetic and conservation research.

## Key findings

- The chloroplast genome of G. tembensis is 158,040 bp long with a typical quadripartite structure.
- Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed high polymorphism in 30 genes across Grewioideae species.
- cpSSRs can help assess genetic variability and biogeographical distribution in Grewia species.

## Abstract

Background: Grewia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Malvaceae family. Grewia tembensis is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several microbial diseases as well as a livestock feed. Methods: In the current study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of G. tembensis was constructed using data derived from high-throughput sequencing, followed by comprehensive analyses and comparison with phylogenetically related species. Results: The chloroplast genome of G. tembensis is 158,040 bp long and has the typical quadripartite structure found in angiosperms. The large single-copy (LSC) segment measures 86,956 bp, whereas the small single-copy (SSC) regions encompass 20,142 bp. The two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions have an identical length of 25,471 bp and display a higher degree of conservation relative to the single-copy (SC) regions based on nucleotide diversity analysis. The genome of G. tembensis possesses 130 genes. The simple sequence repeat (SSR) numbers ranged between 202 and 234 repeats in Grewioideae subfamily species under this study. Furthermore, nucleotide diversity analysis demonstrated a marked elevation in polymorphism information (Pi) values across 30 genes in Grewioideae. Conclusions: cpSSRs can be used for the examination of population genetic variability within and between Grewia species, as well as the categorization of populations and their biogeographical distribution. In addition, loci with high Pi values can contribute substantial genetic variability, which is crucial for addressing taxonomic dilemmas in phylogenetic investigations.