Identification of a Second rRNA Gene Unit in the Perkinsus andrewsi Genome
Loading...
Collections
Author/Creator
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2004
Type of Work
Department
Program
Citation of Original Publication
PECHER, W. O. L. F. T., ROBLEDO, J. O. S. E. A. F., & VASTA, G. E. R. A. R. D. O. R. (March 01, 2004). Identification of a Second rRNA Gene Unit in the Perkinsus andrewsi Genome. The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 51, 2, 234-245.
Rights
Abstract
Perkinsus species are parasitic protozoa of mollusks, currently classified within the Perkinsozoa, a recently established phylum that is basal to the Apicomplexa and Dinozoa. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and their intergenic spacers have been used to support the taxonomy of Perkinsus species, the description of new species, and to develop molecular probes for their detection and identification. We previously described ultrastructure, behavior in culture, and partial sequence of the rRNA locus of a Perkinsus species isolated from the baltic clam Macoma balthica. The rRNA genes and intergenic spacers of this Perkinsus isolate differed from those described in the currently accepted species to a degree that led to its designation as a new species, Perkinsus andrewsi. In this study, we identify an additional rRNA gene unit (rRNA-B) in the P. andrewsi holotype, and report the complete sequences of both rRNA gene units. Except for the 5.8S, all regions of the rRNA-B gene unit exhibited sequence differences from that initially described (rRNA-A). Each rRNA gene unit is arranged in a "head-to-tail" tandem repeat. This is the first report demonstrating two distinct rRNA units in a Perkinsus species.