Complete mitochondrial genome of the sea slug, Placida sp., contains unusual noncoding regions

Mitochondrial DNA. 2013 Jun;24(3):219-21. doi: 10.3109/19401736.2012.752470. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

Abstract

The complete sequence (14,751 bp) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the opisthobranch gastropod Placida sp. was determined using long PCR and genome-walking techniques. The genome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes that are typical of metazoan mtDNA, and 2 lengthy noncoding regions with a total length of 1441 bp. All the tRNA genes have general secondary structures without reduced T or D stems. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of Placida sp. is almost identical to that of sea slugs, whereas the tRNA gene arrangement is different from other animals outside Sacoglossa in the Euthyneura. A phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial genome of Euthyneura indicated that Placida sp. and Placida dendritica are closely related to Elysia chlorotica as a sister taxon, which strongly supports their close phylogenetic affinity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Gastropoda / classification
  • Gastropoda / genetics*
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Genome, Mitochondrial*
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Proteins / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Proteins
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Transfer