PFR²

The database offers access to planktonic Foraminifera 18S ribosomal DNA sequence library with a curated taxonomy at the morphological and molecular level. These sequences have been obtained through single-cell DNA extraction from specimens, identified taxonomically by characters of their calcite shells. The vast majority of the sequences cover the fragment of the gene between the helices 32 and 50. The aim of PFR² is to provide a comprehensive and high quality free resource to study the ecology and biogeography of planktonic foraminifera as a model system for evolution in the pelagic realm. The first version of PFR² combines sequences available on Genbank with new data generated across several laboratories. The compilation was facilitated through the efforts of the SCOR/IGBP Working Group 138 “Modern planktonic foraminifera and ocean changes”. A strict control of the quality of the sequences has been applied and the taxonomy has been curated to achieve full internal consistency. PFR² can be used to annotate environmental sequences and also to design probes and primers.