Reclassification of Botryococcus Braunii Chemical Races Into Separate Species Based on a Comparative Genomics Analysis

A comparative genomics analysis of the colonial green microalga Botryococcus braunii, traditionally classified as a single species with three chemical races (A, B, and L), revealed significant genomic differences among the races. The study found that the A race diverged earlier than the B and L races, which share a more recent common ancestor. The B race exhibited more DNA repeat content and gene orthogroup diversity compared to the A and L races. These findings suggest that the three races are distinct species, leading to the proposed reclassification into Botryococcus alkenealis (A race), Botryococcus braunii (B race), and Botryococcus lycopadienor (L race).