A Comprehensive Molecular Phylogeny of the Mortierellales (Mortierellomycotina) Based on Nuclear Ribosomal DNA

Author: mycolabadmin
2013-03-13
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Summary

This research provides a comprehensive genetic analysis of an important group of fungi called Mortierellales. These fungi are commonly found in soil and have significant biotechnology applications. The study used DNA sequencing to better understand how different species are related to each other and to improve their classification system. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps identify and classify beneficial fungi used in biotechnology applications – Improves our understanding of soil microorganisms that are important for ecosystem health – Advances methods for producing valuable compounds like fatty acids through fungal fermentation – Contributes to better quality control in industrial applications using these fungi – Aids in discovering new species with potential commercial applications

Background

The Mortierellales are a species-rich order of basal fungi with nearly 100 described species, containing one family (Mortierellaceae) and six currently accepted genera. Most species are saprobic soil-inhabiting organisms with abilities for biotransformations and accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids, making them attractive for biotechnological applications. Previous classification was based mainly on morphological features, which can be unreliable due to dependency on culture conditions.

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Mortierellales using the largest dataset of LSU and ITS sequences assembled to date, in order to elucidate natural evolutionary relationships and evaluate the monophyly of the genus Mortierella. The study aimed to survey the diversity of Mortierellales including a re-evaluation of morphology-based classifications.

Results

The study revealed that the genera Dissophora, Gamsiella and Lobosporangium are placed within the genus Mortierella, suggesting either polyphyly of Mortierella or the need to reduce existing genera to one. Several species originally identified as one appeared in different places in phylogenetic analyses. The monophyletic clade of Mortierella s.str. contains the type species M. polycephala. Many species groups were found to be misapplied and require taxonomic revision or nomenclatural synonymization.

Conclusion

The research presents the most comprehensive molecular dataset of Mortierellales to date, facilitating revision of existing and validation of upcoming names. Traditional morphology-based classifications were found to be contradictory to molecular phylogenetic analyses. Several species and species groups require taxonomic revision and potential synonymization. Additional molecular markers are needed for more profound phylogenetic studies.

Published in:Persoonia : Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi,
Study Type:Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis,
Source: 10.3767/003158513X666268