The gene for the large (16S) ribosomal RNA from the Locusta migratoria mitochondrial genome

Summary The nucleotide sequence of a segment of the mtDNA molecule of the locust Locusta migratoria containing the complete large rRNA (16S) gene and some nucleotides in its vincinity has been determined. The gene contains 1314 nucleotides, comprising the smallest metazoan gene reported to date. The gene has a low content of GC (21%) and exhibits an extended sequence homology to the corresponding gene of the dipteran insect Drosophila yakuba, suggesting a comparable secondary structure. The gene structure is discussed in an evolutionary and functional context.