Project name: RefSeq Targeted Loci in fungi

Description: Diversity in morphology across the kingdom is high, ranging from very simple to very complex, with several morphological structures and spore types associated with the same species. In addition a low diversity in morphology does not necessarily coincide with a low genetic diversity. Molecular markers have been very useful in the fungal community to track species as it proceeds through complex life cycles, differentiate between species and identify cryptic fungi.Apart from species recognition (Fungal Barcoding) and evaluating biodiversity, molecular markers (targeted loci) are being used to investigate the evolutionary history of Fungi (AFTOL). With their relatively compact genomes Fungi have the largest and broadest set of sequenced genomes amongst the eukaryotes. Some loci are not always equally informative across the kingdom and an increasing number of additional useful phylogenetic markers are being identified.

Relevance: Evolution

Last updated: 2009-10-19