The complete mitochondrial genome of Panax ginseng (Apiales, Araliaceae): an important medicinal plant

Abstract

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a multifunctional medicinal herb used worldwide and is an economically important high-value crop in Korea. Here, we presented the mitochondrial genome of P. ginseng landrace ‘Jakyung’, which is one of the most common cultivars cultivated in Korean farms. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence was 464,661 bp in length and had a single circular form. The ginseng mitochondrial genome encoded 72 unique genes, including 45 protein-coding genes, 24 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed a GC content of 45.1%, with a slightly higher A + T bias (A, 27.1%; T, 27.8%; G, 22.5%; C, 22.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. ginseng was closely related to Daucus carota in the Apiales. This complete mitochondrial genome sequence of P. ginseng provides valuable genetic information for further studies of this important medicinal plant.

Keywords

• ginseng
• mitochondrial genome
• medicinal plant
• panax ginseng
• phylogenetic analysis