Phylogenetic Analysis and Cloning and Characterization of Laccase Gene from Morels

Abstract

There are a large number of ecosystems per unit area on this earth out of which the Himalayan ecosystem is known to have one of the richest biodiversity. Of the 7000 plant species reported about 700 have medicinal properties. The Himalayan morel popularly known as “Guchhi” is one of them. Morels are considered to be one of the high value Non Timber Forest Products. Morels are the most desirable edible mushrooms known. They have always attracted mycologists because of their economic importance and their beautiful appearances. Morels have been important to mankind since a long time but yet humans could not get hold of them till date, hence they have always been an exciting field for research studies. The most studied and important one being Morchella. The genus includes a number of species. Six different species have been reported till in India namely: Morchella esculenta,Morchella conica, Morchella angusticeps, Morchella semilibera, Morchella deliciosa and Morchella carrasipes. The fruit bodies of all the species of this genus are edible and are used mainly in the flavoring of soups and gravies. The economically important wild species and ascocarps that reach the market are collected from the wild. Morchella esculenta is an expensive product because of its rich nutritional value and its unique flavor.