molecular-markers
Molecular markers are identifiable DNA sequences or molecules used to track genetic variation and identify specific traits within organisms. In plant science, they are essential tools for breeding programs, allowing researchers to select for desirable traits—such as disease resistance or drought tolerance—without waiting for plants to fully mature. They also enable precise mapping of plant genomes, conservation of genetic diversity, and identification of closely related species or cultivars.
open_in_new WikipediaEurope PMC · 2026-03-26
Researchers decoded the complete chloroplast genomes of three arrowhead (Sagittaria) species, revealing their evolutionary history and identifying genetic hotspots useful for distinguishing species. The study traces arrowhead's split from its closest relative to roughly 23.5 million years ago, providing a genomic foundation for future breeding and conservation work.
Arrowhead chloroplast genomes are ~178,339 base pairs long with 36.8–36.9% GC content, making them larger than those of every other genus in the water-plantain family (Alismataceae)
Two regions — the rps16 gene and the trnT-trnL spacer — were identified as highly variable 'hotspots' that can serve as molecular markers for telling Sagittaria species apart
Arrowhead and its sister genus Caldesia diverged ~23.53 million years ago, while diversification within Sagittaria itself began ~4.82 million years ago
