Mitochondrial genome of the Chung-an ground lizard Takydromus sylvaticus (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

Abstract

The Chung-an ground lizard Takydromus sylvaticus is an endemic and long-lost reptile species in China. In this study, its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence was firstly determined by long PCR and primer walking methods. The genome is 17,838 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 main noncoding regions (the control region and the putative L-strand replication origin). The gene order and contents in the T. sylvaticus mitogenome is identical to that found in typical vertebrates, suggesting that it represents an ancestral arrangement. Within the control region, typical conserved domains and distinct repeat regions were identified.

• Control region
• Lacertidae
• mitochondrial genome
• Takydromus sylvaticus

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr Anita Malhotra (Bangor University) for her valuable comments on this manuscript. We thank Tao Wan and Bao-lin Zhang for their help in the data processing.