Partial phylogeny of the unicellular eukaryotes based on rapid sequencing of a portion of 28S ribosomal RNA.

Using a rapid rRNA sequencing technique, we have determined the sequence of the 400 nucleotides located at the 5' end of the large subunit rRNA molecule from eight species of unicellular eukaryotes (protists). This region contains a pair of conservative domains well-suited for long-range phylogenetic evaluations among eukaryotes, due both to their substantia, length and to their intrinsic rate of sequence variation during evolution. It also comprises a central more rapidly evolving portion, which allows for a fine tuning of distance evaluation between closely related species. Molecular distances were computed between the aligned nucleotides of all presently available protist sequences and were used to derive a tentative dendrogram. Within the limitations inherent to this approach, a number of interesting observations emerge: The various protist groups appear to have separated very early from each other. The most deeply divergent protists belong to a number of orders of flagellates (mastigotes), suggesting a very ancient origin for organelles containing a 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement. Ciliates emerged late among eukaryotes, suggesting that their peculiar genetic code was derived secondarily. Moreover, a dinoflagellate clusters with ciliates, thus making it likely that the unusual features of nuclear organization and mitosis of this group are not primitive but derived characters. Finally, within groups, taxonomic and evolutionary inferences appear to be feasible using this portion of the rRNA.