The complete mitochondrial genome and genetic distinction of the Taiwanese honeybee, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis cerana</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The Asian cavity-nesting honeybee, Apis cerana is widely distributed across Asia and nearby islands, showing interesting patterns of genetic differences caused by repeated isolation and re-unification of populations owing to repeated changes in sea levels. In the present study, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of A. cerana from Taiwan and eastern China for the first time. The mitochondrial genomes of these honeybee populations were circular 15,251- and 15,332-bp molecules, respectively, and included 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one AT-rich control region. The average AT content in mitochondrial genome of Taiwanese and Chinese honeybees was 83.50 and 83.54%, respectively. The heavy strand encoded nine PCGs and 14 tRNA genes and the light strand encoded four PCGs, eight tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The ATP6 and ATP8 genes shared 19 nucleotides. Eight PCGs of the A. cerana mitochondrial genome started with ATT, ATP6, COIII, and Cytb genes with ATG, ATP8 gene with ATC, and ND4 gene with ATA. All tRNA genes formed typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-Ser (AGN). The phylogenetic analysis inferred from the 13 mitochondrial PCGs, based on maximum likelihood, indicated that the Taiwanese and eastern Chinese populations of A. cerana are closely related taxa. The 272 sites that differed between A. cerana from Taiwan and eastern China were evenly distributed throughout the mitochondrial genome. We found that the genetic distance between the two population was 0.025, indicating that they are genetically different enough to be considered different subspecies or local populations.     

Complete mitochondrial genome of the honeybee <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis cerana</Emphasis> native to two remote islands in Japan

The honeybee species native to two remote islands (Amami-Oshima and Tsushima) in Japan were previously reported to be morphologically distinct from the Japanese honeybee Apis cerana japonica. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the complete mitochondrial genome of the honeybee species from the two islands. The mitochondrial genome was a circular and approximately 1.5 kbp molecule that included 13 protein-cording genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 AT-rich control region. The average AT content of the mitochondrial genome was 84%. The genetic distance suggested that the honeybee species from the two remote islands were more closely related to A. cerana japonica, among the A. cerana subspecies. Although the mitochondrial genome of the honeybee species from the two remote islands showed genetic variation distinct from those found in the A. cerana group, they were classified as the Japanese honeybee A. cerana japonica.     

The complete mitogenome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pelochelys cantorii</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Guangning</Emphasis>) and the comparative analysis of different habitats

Pelochelys cantorii has become one of the most critically endangered species in the world. The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome of P. cantorii (Guangning) was generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, primer-walking sequencing and fragment cloning. The mitochondrial genome is 17,424 base pairs (bp) and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and one control region. Comparative analyses of complete mitochondrial genome sequences from different habitats, we found that the P. cantorii (unknown) may be wrong identified. And the phylogenetic position of P. cantorii also support this result, maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian (BI) analyses were conducted based on 12 heavy-strand PCGs and 2 rRNAs from 18 taxa. P. cantorii (unknown) is not closely related to other P. cantorii, but formed a clade with Apalone spinifera and Apalone ferox.     

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the ecotoxicity indicator insect <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aiolopus thalassinus</Emphasis> (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Oedipodinae)

The grasshopper Aiolopus thalassinus has long been used as an ecotoxicity indicator species of heavy metal pollution. The rapid molecular identification and genetic resource determination of this species would be of great helpful for the application in environmental monitoring. Mitochondrial DNA sequences are the widely applied molecular markers in insect taxonomic identification. In this study, we reported the complete mitochondrial genome of A. thalassinus. The whole genome was 15,753 bp in size and encoded 37 typical mitochondrial genes. The nucleotide composition was asymmetric, with an obvious bias towards A and T (75.3% combined). The typical ATN start codons were exhibited in the initiation of all protein-coding genes (PCGs). The typical TAA/TAG codons or the incomplete T(aa) codon were the terminal codons. The control region was determined by its remarkably high A+T content of 83.3%. This mitochondrial genome data for A. thalassinus will provide a useful resource for environmental monitoring.     

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rusa unicolor dejeani</Emphasis> (Artiodactyla: Cervidae)

Rusa unicolor has been listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) because of overexploitation for subsistence and markets in meat and antlers. Mitochondrial DNA has been used to differentiate R. unicolor from other ungulates and sympatric species. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Rusa unicolor dejeani. The circle genome (16,437 bp in length) contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one D-loop region. All the PCGs in R. u. dejeani were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. We expect that the complete mitogenome of R. u. dejeani could provide a molecular data for species identification, phylogeography analysis, population genetics research and evolutionary studies.     

Characterization of the whole chloroplast genome of a rare and endangered species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aconitum reclinatum</Emphasis> (Ranunculaceae) in the United States

The complete chloroplast genome (cp genome) of Aconitum reclinatum (Ranunculaceae) was characterized through Illumina paired-end sequencing. The cp genome is circle and 157,354 bp in length, consisting of a pair of 26,061 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs) which are separated by a large single copy region (LSC) of 88,269 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 16,963 bp. The cp genome contains 135 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 40 tRNA genes (tRNA) and eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). Among these, seven PCGs, eight tRNA and four rRNA are duplicated. The overall GC content of the A. reclinatum cp genome is 38.00%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC and IRs regions are 36.00, 32.80 and 43.00%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that A. reclinatum is closely related to A. barbatum var. hispidum and A. barbatum var. puberulum with high bootstrap support of 100%.     

The mitochondrial genome of a stonefly species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cerconychia sapa</Emphasis> (Plecoptera: Styloperlidae)

The nearly complete sequence of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the stonefly, Cerconychia sapa, has been completed and annotated in this study. The circular genome is 15,188 bp in length with an A+T content of 71.2%, and contains 13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA subunit genes. The control region can only be assembled partially. All PCGs use normal start codon ATN, while ND1 and ND5 use TTG and GTG as start codon, respectively. Meanwhile, 12 PCGs use the typical termination codons TAN, except ND5, which stopped with the incomplete terminaton signal T. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that C. sapa is closely related to Styloperla sp. and S. spinicercia. Our results provide basic data for further study of phylogeny in Plecoptera.     

Characterization of the whole chloroplast genome of a rare candelabra primrose <Emphasis Type="Italic">Primula chrysochlora</Emphasis> (Primulaceae)

The complete chloroplast genome (plastome) of Primula chrysochlora is a circular molecule of 151,944 bp and contains a pair of inverted repeats of 25,460 bp which is separated by a large single copy region of 83,953 bp and a small single copy region of 17,801 bp. The plastome encodes 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNA genes and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Of these, seven PCGs, seven tRNA genes and four rRNA genes are duplicated in inverted repeats region and 18 genes harbor one or two introns. Based on the SSR analysis, a total of 36 microsatellites with a length of at least 10 bp were detected in the P. chrysochlora genome. A phylogenetic analysis showed that section Proliferae is a monophyletic with high support, and P. chrysochlora is sister to P. poissonii.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chinese <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocheilichthys kiangsiensis</Emphasis> (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocheilichthys</Emphasis>)

Sarcocheilichthys kiangsiensis: is a threatened (IUCN: Least Concern) and native fish in China. This study deals with the complete mitochondrial genome of Sarcocheilichthys kiangsiensis by using next-generation sequencing. The full length of the circular genome is 16,672 bp. It consists of 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. The overall nucleotide composition is: 29.7% A, 25.7% T, 27.4% C, and 17.2% G, with a total A?+?T content of 55.4%.     

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the tiny dragonfly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannophya pygmaea</Emphasis> (Odonata: Libellulidae)

The tiny dragonfly, Nannophya pygmaea (Odonata: Libellulidae), has been listed as an endangered insect in South Korea. We sequenced the complete 15,112-bp-long mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species. The genome included a typical set of genes (13 protein-coding genes [PCGs], two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes) and one non-coding region with an arrangement identical to that found in most insects. Among the 13 PCGs, only ND1 started with the atypical TTG. The 441-bp-long A+T-rich region possessed the highest A/T content (84.6%) in the genome. N. pygmaea was placed as the sister to Orthetrum species belonging to Libellulidae. Unlike conventional phylogenetic results, the suborders Anisozygoptera and Zygoptera formed a strong sister group in both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods (BI, BPP?=?1 and ML, 88–94%), justifying the use of different types of molecular markers for phylogenetic analysis.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carabus (Damaster) lafossei</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Carabus (Damaster) lafossei: (Coleoptera, Carabidae) is an endangered beetle endemic to China; it was listed as National Second Class Protected Animal in China. Here, we provide the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Carabus lafossei. The sequence contains 16,793 bp, with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region. All of the protein-coding genes use the typical ATN as the initiation codon, except for ND1, which uses TTG. Only COX2 employs a single T as a termination signal, while others have the typical termination codons (TAA or TAG). The average A+T content of the mitochondrial genome is 79.7%. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that C. lafossei has a closer relationship with Carabus mirabilissimus than with other Carabus species. These molecular biology data provide a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of this key endangered Carabid beetle.     

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a wild forest musk deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Moschus berezovskii</Emphasis>)

Forest musk deer (FMD) is an endangered species, and its population size has dropped dramatically. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of a FMD. The genome was 16,353 bp long, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region. Most PCGs were distributed on the heavy strand except ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which were encoded on the light strand. The nucleotide composition was asymmetric, with an overall A+T content of 62.1%. Comparison with one previously described mitochondrial genome revealed 94.4% sequence homology and 1128 nucleotide mutation sites, which represents a substantial difference. A phylogenetic tree based on Cytb genes of eight closely related musk deer species showed that our sample clustered with two FMD subspecies from Yunnan, China. These results provide novel molecular information that can potentially be used for genetic diversity conservation of this species.     

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cardamine macrophylla</Emphasis> (Brassicaceae)

Cardamine macrophylla is a perennial herb with short-lived seeds. Here, the complete chloroplast genome (plastome) of C.macrophylla was obtained by Illumina sequencing technology. The plastome is 155,393 bp in length, including a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,492 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,957 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,472 bp. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 37 tRNA genes (30 tRNA species), eight rRNA genes (four rRNA species) and one pseudogene. Among these genes, 15 genes harbored a single intron and three genes harbored two introns. Seven tRNA, five protein-coding and all four rRNA genes were completely duplicated in the IR regions. The GC content of C. macrophylla plastome is 36.4%. A total of 26,470 codons were detected in 85 protein-coding genes of C. macrophylla plastome. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the all Cardamine species formed a monophyletic clade, and C. macrophylla was closely related to C. impatiens.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Indirana semipalmata</Emphasis> (Amphibia: Anura)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic frog Indirana semipalmata was sequenced. The mitogenome is a circular molecule of 17,052 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (r RNA) genes, 21 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and a non-coding D-loop region (control region). Its gene arrangements are similar to the typical neobatrachian-type except for the loss of tRNA ^Asn gene. Our data, which represent the first mitogenome for the genus, will serve as a reference for further studies on the conservation genetics of the endemic amphibian fauna of the Western Ghats.     

The complete chloroplast genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Primula persimilis</Emphasis> (Primulaceae)

Using an Illumina platform, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of Primula persimilis. The total length of the plastome is 152,756 bp, and the overall AT content is 62.8%. A pair of 25,753 bp inverted repeats (IRs) is separated by large and small single copy regions (LSC and SSC) of 83,537 bp and 17,713 bp, respectively, and the AT contents of the LSC, SSC and IR are 64.8%, 69.4% and 57.2%, respectively. The plastome encodes 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNA genes and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Of these, seven PCGs, seven tRNA genes and four rRNA genes are duplicated in inverted repeats, and 18 genes harbor one or two introns. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the Primula species formed a monophyletic clade, and P. persimilis is closely related to P. kwangtungensis.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Naemorhedus griseus</Emphasis> (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and its phylogenetic implications

The Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) has been categorized as vulnerable species by the World Conservation Union and listed as a Class I protected species in China for its over-hunting for meat, fur and medicines. In order to provide efficient genetic resources for the conservation and preservation of the endangered species, the complete mitochondrial genome of this species was determined and analyzed. It is 16,446 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, one origin of replication on the light-strand (O_L) and a control region. Most of the PCGs use ATG as the common initiation codon, while ND2, ATP6 and ND3 use ATA and ND5 uses ATC as the initiation codon. Most of them have TAA or TAG as the stop codon, except COIII, ND3 and ND4 use an incomplete stop codon T or TA and Cyt b uses an uncommon AGA. An ML tree involving 19 Caprinae species was constructed, which will contribute to phylogenetic studies of Caprinae and further conservation strategies for the Chinese goral.     

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anabarilius grahami</Emphasis> (Teleostei,Cyprinidae, Cultrinae)

The complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Anabarilius grahami was determined by the primer walking sequence method. The entire mitochondrial genome is 16,612 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one control region (CR). As in other teleosts, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes which are encoded on the light strand. The overall nucleotide composition was 28.9% A, 24.8% T, 27.9% C, and 18.3% G, respectively, with a slight A+T bias (53.7%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 12 concatenated protein-coding genes of the heavy strand shows the evolutionary position of A. grahami is more closely related to two species of the genus Hemiculter within the subfamily Cultrinae.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of goby <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acentrogobius viridipunctatus</Emphasis>

In this study, we first determined and described the complete mitochondrial genome of Acentrogobius viridipunctatus, a member of the Family Gobiidae. The complete mitogenome sequence was 16,507 bp in length containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, one non-coding control region (D-loop). We identified genome-wide variations among mitochondrial genomes of different Acentrogobius species and found that the D-loop regions harbored most of the sequence variations, which would further provide valuable genome variation information for the conservation and utilization of A. viridipunctatus.     

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of an endangered alpine toad, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scutiger ningshanensis</Emphasis> (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae)

Scutiger ningshanensis has been listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Here we report the complete mitochondrial genome of S. ningshanensis, which we hope will be useful for species identification and will contribute to further phylogenetic studies. The circular genome is 17,265 bp in length and encodes the same typical 37 mitochondrial genes. Most of these genes are located on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The nucleotide composition is particularly rich in A and T, with an overall A?+?T content of 61.8?%. All the protein-coding genes have the standard ATG initiation codon, except for COX1 and ATP8, which initiate translation at GTG. All protein-coding genes are terminated by either TAA or incomplete T(aa) stop codons. A typical set of 22 tRNA genes are present, but their arrangement is unique, with three (tRNA-Ile, tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Trp) found at inverted locations. Because of this gene rearrangement, the control region is located between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Ile instead of between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of an endangered reef gastropods <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trochus pyramis</Emphasis>

In this study, we determined and described the complete mitochondrial genome of an endangered reef gastropods Trochus pyramis for the first time. T. pyramis belongs to the family Trochidae, its natural populations were originally distributed in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean which have now reduced to near extinction because of commercial over-exploitation. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence is 18,439 bp in length containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and one non-coding region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis employing a data set of six sequenced mitochondrial genomes in the superfamily Trochoidea suggests that T. pyramis has a close relationship with Stomatella planulata. Our results are expected to provide useful information for molecular identification of the endangered species T. pyramis and for further phylogenetic studies of the family Trochidae.