The study of plant phylogeny using amino acid sequences of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase. II. The analysis of small subunit data to form phylognetic trees.

Abstract

The first 40 amino acid sequences of the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase are given for 24 angiosperm species, three from each of eight families chosen because cytochrome c and plastocyanin sequences are already available. Using computer methods, these data have been analysed to yield minimal phylogenetic Steiner trees. A well defined minimal tree becomes apparent when data from all three proteins are combined. The root of the minimal tree is indicated by the node where a gymnosperm joins. The minimal tree is briefly compared with published phylogenies: in agreement is the divergence of the dicotyledons and monocotyledons from the root and the grouping of the Asteraceae and Caprifoliaceae; in disagreement, and a feature of all three proteins, is the close grouping of the Fabaceae with the Brassicaceae.