Chloroplast genome data sequence of the stuarine Ulva sp. GE257 from Ecuador: genome features and phylogenetic relevance

OBJECTIVES: Ulva species are ecologically important components of coastal and estuarine systems and are increasingly recognized as candidates for biomass production and other applied uses. However, genomic resources for Ecuadorian Ulva remain scarce. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of Ulva sp. GE257, an estuarine macroalga from Ecuador, and provide a description of its genome features and phylogenetic position as a baseline resource for future taxonomic, ecological, and cultivation-related studies. DATA DESCRIPTION: We present the complete chloroplast genome of Ulva sp. GE257 from Puerto El Morro, Ecuador. The genome is a circular DNA molecule of 92,301 bp with a GC content of 24.42% and encodes a total of 98 genes, 67 protein-coding genes, 26 transfer RNA genes, and three ribosomal RNA genes. Four introns were annotated, including one in the rrn23 gene and three in the psbB gene, which contains five exons. No inverted repeat regions were identified in the genome. In addition, the majority of the ORFs are located on the light strand.