Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Urechis caupo, a representative of the phylum Echiura.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mitochondria contain small genomes that are physically separate from those of nuclei. Their comparison serves as a model system for understanding the processes of genome evolution. Although hundreds of these genome sequences have been reported, the taxonomic sampling is highly biased toward vertebrates and arthropods, with many whole phyla remaining unstudied. This is the first description of a complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a representative of the phylum Echiura, that of the fat innkeeper worm, Urechis caupo.

Results

This mtDNA is 15,113 nts in length and 62% A+T. It contains the 37 genes that are typical for animal mtDNAs in an arrangement somewhat similar to that of annelid worms. All genes are encoded by the same DNA strand which is rich in A and C

SUBMITTER: Boore JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC521484 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature