CHLOROPLAST DNA AND BIOSYSTEMATICS - THE EFFECTS OF INTRASPECIFIC DIVERSITY AND PLASTID TRANSMISSION

The widespread application of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) to plant biosystematics is usually based on a number of assumptions. The assumption of low levels of intraspecific cpDNA variation is reviewed and the conclusion reached that far from being rare, intraspecific cpDNA variation is relatively common. The evidence for the assumption of predominantly maternal plastid transmission is also reviewed. In both of the cases some of the possible effects on phylogenetic reconstruction are considered.