An improved primer set and amplification protocol with increased specificity and sensitivity targeting the Symbiodinium ITS2 region for next-generation sequencing diversity assessment.

To study the coral reef holobiont diversity and specifically Symbiodinium, the algal symbionts of the animal host, specific and sensitive protocol must be found. This paper provides a standardized amplification protocol using a highly sensitive primer set. This protocol, used during Tara Pacific, will help maximize return of information from a wide range of sample type whilst maintaining comparability to future and existing projects.

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