Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the red alga, Gracilaria eucheumatoides Harvey 1860 (Gracilariales: Gracilariaceae) from Vietnam.

The marine red alga, Gracilaria eucheumatoides , is economically significant for its agar production and pharmacologically active compounds. This study reveals its complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), sequenced using Illumina's next-generation technology. The mitogenome is a 25,909 bp circular molecule with a G + C content of 27.21%, comprising 24 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and one open reading frame (ORF) with an unidentified function. Both gene structure and composition are highly conserved within Gracilaria . The phylogenetic analyses fully support a close relationship of G. eucheumatoides with other Gracilaria species, as well as its sister relationship with G. urvillei . This mitogenome sequencing effort of G. eucheumatoides provides crucial data for future phylogenetic research on marine red algae.