The complete chloroplast genome of Meconopsis torquata (Papaveraceae), a traditional Tibetan medicine.

ABSTRACT

Meconopsis torquata Prain 1906, a national second-class rare and endangered plant, is reported here for the first time for its complete chloroplast genome. The genome is 153,290 bp in length, comprising a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,918 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,740 bp), and two inverted repeat sequences (IRa and IRb, each 25,816 bp). The overall GC content is 38.7%, with the IR region having the highest content (43.1%). The genome is annotated with 112 unique genes, including 4 rRNA genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 79 protein-coding genes. Analysis of codon usage bias reveals that codons ending in A/T account for 96.7% of those with a Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU) value above 1. This predominance of A/T-ending codons might be indicative of M. torquata adaptation to high-altitude environments. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a close kinship between M. torquata and M. pinnatifolia and M. paniculata, indicating that the ancestral groups of these species might have a complex evolutionary history. This study uncovers the genetic characteristics and adaptive evolution of M. torquata, offering a new perspective in understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The findings not only provide a solid theoretical foundation for the conservation and sustainable use of this rare and endangered species but also offer significant scientific support for the conservation of biodiversity.