Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the red alga, <i>Gracilaria eucheumatoides</i> Harvey 1860 (Gracilariales: Gracilariaceae) from Vietnam

The marine red alga, <i>Gracilaria eucheumatoides</i>, is economically significant for its agar production and pharmacologically active compounds. This study reveals its complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), sequenced using Illumina's next-generation technology. The mitogenome is a 25,909 bp circular molecule with a G + C content of 27.21%, comprising 24 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and one open reading frame (ORF) with an unidentified function. Both gene structure and composition are highly conserved within <i>Gracilaria</i>. The phylogenetic analyses fully support a close relationship of <i>G. eucheumatoides</i> with other <i>Gracilaria</i> species, as well as its sister relationship with <i>G. urvillei</i>. This mitogenome sequencing effort of <i>G. eucheumatoides</i> provides crucial data for future phylogenetic research on marine red algae.