The chloroplast genome of and characterization of chloroplast regulatory elements.

is a rare alpine tree species in the genus. Unfortunately, no extensive germplasm identification, molecular phylogeny, and chloroplast genomics of this plant have been conducted. We sequenced the chloroplast (cp) genome of for the first time using second-generation sequencing technology. The cp genome was 155,540 bp long, including a large single-copy region (LSC, 84,401 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 16,221 bp), and inverted repeat regions (IR, 54,918 bp). A total of 131 genes were identified, including 86 protein genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The cp genome contains 1 complement repeat, 24 forward repeats, 17 palindromic repeats, and 7 reverse repeats. Analysis of the IR borders showed that the IRa and IRb regions of and were shorter than those of , which may affect plastome evolution. Furthermore, four highly variable regions were found, including the coding region, non-coding region, non-coding region, and coding region. These high variable regions can be used as candidate molecular markers and as a reference for identifying future species. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicated that the cp genome of is sister to and belongs to the Subgenus . Genes (Sf-, Sf-, , Sf-, Sf-) obtained via cloning were inserted into the pBluescript II SK (+) to yield the cp expression vectors, which harbored the selectable marker gene . The results of a spectinomycin resistance test indicated that the cp expression vector had been successfully constructed. Moreover, the gene was efficiently expressed under the regulation of predicted regulatory elements. The present study provides a solid foundation for establishing subsequent cp transformation systems and developing strategies for the genetic improvement of