Characterization of the Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch (Cupressaceae), from Ziarat, Pakistan

Objectives: To broaden the genetic information base of Juniperus and resolve phylogeny polycarpos through sequencing characterization its chloroplast genome. Methods: The (cp) genome J. was sequenced assembled using Next-Generation Sequencing pairedend reads platform BGISEQ-500 annotated CpGAVAS. phylogenetic analysis performed in MEGA7. Findings: Here, we report complete cp sequence polycarpos. size is 127,825 bp with a typical circular structure lack canonical inverted repeats having total 119 genes comprised 82 protein-coding genes, 33 tRNA four rRNA genes. encodes 105 single copy five duplicated (ndhK, ccsA, rps12, trnE-TTC trnQ-TTG), one tetraplicated gene(trnM-CAT). In these 9 (rpl2, ycf2, trnA-TGC, trnETTC,rpoC, rpoB, ndhB, ndhA atpF) harboring intron, three (accD, rrn23s ycf3) two introns gene (ycf1) introns. overall GC content DNA 35%. Phylogenetic among 14 species order Coniferales based on genomes indicated close relationship between polycarpos, cedrus communis. Novelty application: This first current study expected to add already available genomic resources needed for more comprehensive population genetics studies resolving relationships Coniferales. Besides, it will provide baseline data future research Pakistan particular. Keywords: BGISeq-500; Cloroplast Genome; Persian Juniper; Phylogeny