Structure and evolution of the mitochondrial control region of the pollen beetle Meligethes thalassophilus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

The organization of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) of the pollen beetle Meligethes thalassophilus is described. This mtDNA CR represents the longest sequenced for beetles so far, since the entire nucleotide sequence ranges from approximately 5000 to approximately 5500 bp. The CR of M. thalassophilus is organized in three distinct domains: a conserved domain near the tRNAIle gene, a variable domain flanking the 12S rRNA gene, and a relatively large central tandem array made up of a variable number of approximately 170 bp repeats that is responsible for the intraspecific length variation observed. Like other CRs found in insects, the M. thalassophilus CR contains two long homopolymeric runs that may be involved in mtDNA replication. Furthermore, conserved stem-and-loop structures in the repetitive domain were identified and their possible role in generating length variation is examined. Intraspecific comparison of the tandem repeat elements of M. thalassophilus suggests mechanisms of concerted evolution leading to homogenization of the repetitive region. The utility of such an array of tandem repeats as a genetic marker for assessing population-level variability and evolutionary relationships among populations is discussed. Finally, the technical difficulties found in isolating the mtDNA CR in beetles are remarked upon.     

Recombination and Evolution of Duplicate Control Regions in the Mitochondrial Genome of the Asian Big-Headed Turtle,Platysternon megacephalum

Complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences with duplicate control regions (CRs) have been detected in various animal species. In Testudines, duplicate mtCRs have been reported in the mtDNA of the Asian big-headed turtle, Platysternon megacephalum, which has three living subspecies. However, the evolutionary pattern of these CRs remains unclear. In this study, we report the completed sequences of duplicate CRs from 20 individuals belonging to three subspecies of this turtle and discuss the micro-evolutionary analysis of the evolution of duplicate CRs. Genetic distances calculated with MEGA 4.1 using the complete duplicate CR sequences revealed that within turtle subspecies, genetic distances between orthologous copies from different individuals were 0.63% for CR1 and 1.2% for CR2app:addword:respectively, and the average distance between paralogous copies of CR1 and CR2 was 4.8%. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed from the CR sequences, excluding the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) at the 3′ end using three methods: neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood algorithm, and Bayesian inference. These data show that any two CRs within individuals were more genetically distant from orthologous genes in different individuals within the same subspecies. This suggests independent evolution of the two mtCRs within each P. megacephalum subspecies. Reconstruction of separate phylogenetic trees using different CR components (TAS, CD, CSB, and VNTRs) suggested the role of recombination in the evolution of duplicate CRs. Consequently, recombination events were detected using RDP software with break points at ≈290 bp and ≈1,080 bp. Based on these results, we hypothesize that duplicate CRs in P. megacephalum originated from heterological ancestral recombination of mtDNA. Subsequent recombination could have resulted in homogenization during independent evolutionary events, thus maintaining the functions of duplicate CRs in the mtDNA of P. megacephalum.     

鸮形目4种鸟类线粒体调控区全序列的测定与比较研究

利用Long-PCR和Primer Walking的方法对鸮形目的短耳鸮、长耳鸮、纵纹腹小鸮、灰林鸮4种鸟类的线粒体调控区进行了全序列测定。结果表明：短耳鸮的调控区跃度为3290bp;长耳鸮为2848bp;纵纹腹小鸮为2444bp;灰林鸮为1771bp。短耳鸮的调控区长度是4种鸮中最大的,并且是目前已知最大的鸟类线粒体调控区。这4种鸮类调控区的基本结构和其他鸟类相似,按照碱基变化速率的不同可以分为3个区：碱基变化速率较快的外围区域Ⅰ、Ⅲ和保守的中间区域Ⅱ。这4种鸟类调控区的3’端均存在大量的串联重复序列,短耳鸮为126bp单元重复7次和78bp单元重复14次;长耳鸮为127bp单元重复8次和78bp单几重复6次;纵纹腹小鸮有3个重复单元,分别为89bp单元重复3次、77bp单元重复4次和71bp单元重复6次;灰林鸮仅有1个单元的串联重复为78bp重复5次。调控区中串联重复序列可能是由链的滑动错配产生,另外这些重复序列都能形成热力学稳定的多重茎环二级结构,而且在重复序列中还发现一些保守基序,这说明重复序列可能具有一定的生理功能,影响调控区的调重控功能从而影响线粒体基因组的复制和转录。     

Repetitive sequences in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) mitochondrial DNA control region

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) of numerous species is known to include up to five different repetitive sequences (RS1-RS5) that are found at various locations, involving motifs of different length and extensive length heteroplasmy. Two repetitive sequences (RS2 and RS3) on opposite sides of mtDNA central conserved region have been described in domestic cat (Felis catus) and some other felid species. However, the presence of repetitive sequence RS3 has not been detected in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) yet. We analyzed mtDNA CR of 35 Eurasian lynx (L. lynx L.) samples to characterize repetitive sequences and to compare them with those found in other felid species. We confirmed the presence of 80 base pairs (bp) repetitive sequence (RS2) at the 5' end of the Eurasian lynx mtDNA CR L strand and for the first time we described RS3 repetitive sequence at its 3' end, consisting of an array of tandem repeats five to ten bp long. We found that felid species share similar RS3 repetitive pattern and fundamental repeat motif TACAC.     

不同产地中华鳖的线粒体控制区序列分析及结构比较

采用PCR特异引物,扩增了两产地中华鳖（Pelodiscus sinensis）个体的mtDNA控制区（CR）及其邻近片段,测序获得了长度分别为1830bp和1630bp的序列。结合GenBank中已发表的韩国产中华鳖mtDNA的CR区序列,比较了3个产地中华鳖的CR区结构。分析显示：中华鳖不同产地mtDNA CR区DNA中的A＋T含量分别为60.5%、63.6%和64.8%,它们的5′、3′末端以及CSB1-CSB2之间均存在丰富的可变数目串联重复序列（variable numbers oftandem repeats,VNTR）。基于mtDNA CR区序列和结构分析,显示中华鳖不同产地的野生个体中存在丰富的遗传多样性。     

鳄龟科和平胸龟科线粒体控制区序列分析和结构比较

本文参照龟类近缘种的线粒体DNA(mitochondrial DNA,mtDNA)控制区(control region,CR)及邻接序列,设计了二对特异引物,采用PCR和测序技术,获得了大鳄龟(Macroclemys temminckii)、小鳄龟(Chelydra serpentina)和平胸龟(Platysternon megacephalum)mtDNA CR区序列,其长度分别为1062bp、1124bp和1119bp;A T的含量分别为68.93%、69.34%和69.44%。序列分析显示,三种龟CR区3'末端均存在丰富的微卫星序列,其中大鳄龟和小鳄龟各有一段2bp的TA序列分别重复20和15次;小鳄龟另有一段5bp的TATAT序列重复13次;平胸龟则是一段10bp的AGTATGTTAT序列重复4次和一段17bp的GTTGTTATATAACATAT序列重复13次。本文还结合GenBank中已发表的其他6种龟鳖类动物的控制区序列,探讨了龟鳖类动物微卫星序列的类型及分布,结果表明:9种龟鳖类动物都存在丰富的微卫星序列,且微卫星所在位置及序列存在很大差异。     

Sequence and organization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) and barfin flounder (Verasper moseri).

In this work, the mitochondrial genomes for spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) and barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) were completely sequenced. The entire mitochondrial genome sequences of the spotted halibut and barfin flounder were 17,273 and 17,588 bp in length, respectively. The organization of the two mitochondrial genomes was similar to those reported from other fish mitochondrial genomes containing 37 genes (2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 13 protein-coding genes) and two non-coding regions (control region (CR) and WANCY region). In the CR, the termination associated sequence (ETAS), six central conserved block (CSB-A,B,C,D,E,F), three conserved sequence blocks (CSB1-3) and a region of 61-bp tandem repeat cluster at the end of CSB-3 were identified by similarity comparison with fishes and other vertebrates. The tandem repeat sequences show polymorphism among the different individuals of the two species. The complete mitochondrial genomes of spotted halibut and barfin flounder should be useful for evolutionary studies of flatfishes and other vertebrate species.     

Specialist and generalist natural enemies as an explanation for geographical gradients in population cycles of northern herbivores

Within Fennoscandia, two well-studied groups of herbivores exhibit clear geographical gradients in their population dynamics. Populations of a forest lepidopteran ( Epirrita autumnata , the autumnal moth) and voles of the genera Microtus and Clethrionomys show pronounced multi-annual cycles in the north but become more stable towards the south. Here we review empirical and theoretical studies on these species, mainly regarding the biological mechanisms that are assumed to generate the pattern of population dynamics in both systems. We conclude that the specialist/generalist predation hypothesis offers a common explanation for the population cycles and their geographical gradients irrespective of whether a herbivorous insect or small mammals are concerned. According to this hypothesis, originally developed for the Fennoscandian voles, but now applied also to E. autumnata , population cycles are generated by specialist natural enemies (predators for the voles and parasitoids for E. autumnata ). Furthermore, the dynamic shift from cycles to stability is assumed to be caused by an increase in the density and diversity of generalist natural enemies from north to south in Fennoscandia.     

A complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asian black bear Sichuan subspecies (Ursus thibetanus mupinensis)

We obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of U.thibetanus mupinensis by DNA sequencing based on the PCR fragments of 18 primers we designed. The results indicate that the mtDNA is 16,868 bp in size, encodes 13 protein genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, with an overall H-strand base composition of 31.2% A, 25.4% C, 15.5% G and 27.9% T. The sequence of the control region (CR) located between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe is 1422 bp in size, consists of 8.43% of the whole genome, GC content is 51.9% and has a 6bp tandem repeat and two 10bp tandem repeats identified by using the Tandem Repeats Finder. U. thibetanus mupinensis mitochondrial genome shares high similarity with those of three other Ursidae: U. americanus (91.46%), U. arctos (89.25%) and U. maritimus (87.66%).     

Evolution of duplicate control regions in the mitochondrial genomes of metazoa: a case study with Australasian Ixodes ticks

To investigate the evolution pattern and phylogenetic utility of duplicate control regions (CRs) in mitochondrial (mt) genomes, we sequenced the entire mt genomes of three Ixodes species and part of the mt genomes of another 11 species. All the species from the Australasian lineage have duplicate CRs, whereas the other species have one CR. Sequence analyses indicate that the two CRs of the Australasian Ixodes ticks have evolved in concert in each species. In addition to the Australasian Ixodes ticks, species from seven other lineages of metazoa also have mt genomes with duplicate CRs. Accumulated mtDNA sequence data from these metazoans and two recent experiments on replication of mt genomes in human cell lines with duplicate CRs allowed us to re-examine four intriguing questions about the presence of duplicate CRs in the mt genomes of metazoa: (1) Why do some mt genomes, but not others, have duplicate CRs? (2) How did mt genomes with duplicate CRs evolve? (3) How could the nucleotide sequences of duplicate CRs remain identical or very similar over evolutionary time? (4) Are duplicate CRs phylogenetic markers? It appears that mt genomes with duplicate CRs have a selective advantage in replication over mt genomes with one CR. Tandem duplication followed by deletion of genes is the most plausible mechanism for the generation of mt genomes with duplicate CRs. Once duplicate CRs occur in an mt genome, they tend to evolve in concert, probably by gene conversion. However, there are lineages where gene conversion may not always occur, and, thus, the two CRs may evolve independently in these lineages. Duplicate CRs have much potential as phylogenetic markers at low taxonomic levels, such as within genera, within families, or among families, but not at high taxonomic levels, such as among orders.     

Heteroplasmy, length, and sequence characterization of the mitochondrial control region in Tomistoma schlegelii

This study describes the organization of the repetitive pattern in the mtDNA control region of Tomistoma schlegelii. Using newly designed primers, we detected length variations of approximately 50-100?bp among individuals, and only one individual showed a heteroplasmic band. Sequencing the region after CSB III revealed two main patterns: a repeat motif and a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) pattern. The VNTR region, with a core unit of 104?bp, consisting of four motifs and a short AT chain, is implicated in the length variation seen among individuals of Tomistoma. A conserved motif seen in a family unit indicated that the repeat pattern was stably inherited from the maternal parent to all offspring. A combination of VNTR patterns specific to different crocodilians was seen in Tomistoma, and the overall secondary structure was shown to be similar to that in Crocodylus and Gavialis.     

Origin and evolution of homologous repeated sequences in the mitochondrial DNA control region of shrews

The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was amplified and directly sequenced in two species of shrew, Crocidura russula and Sorex araneus (Insectivora, Mammalia). The general organization is similar to that found in other mammals: a central conserved region surrounded by two more variable domains. However, we have found in shrews the simultaneous presence of arrays of tandem repeats in potential locations where repeats tend to occur separately in other mammalian species. These locations correspond to regions which are associated with a possible interruption of the replication processes, either at the end of the three-stranded D-loop structure or toward the end of the heavy-strand replication. In the left domain the repeated sequences (R1 repeats) are 78 bp long, whereas in the right domain the repeats are 12 bp long in C. russula and 14 bp long in S. araneus (R2 repeats). Variation in the copy number of these repeated sequences results in mtDNA control region length differences. Southern blot analysis indicates that level of heteroplasmy (more than one mtDNA form within an individual) differs between species. A comparative study of the R2 repeats in 12 additional species representing three shrew subfamilies provides useful indications for the understanding of the origin and the evolution of these homologous tandemly repeated sequences. An asymmetry in the distribution of variants within the arrays, as well as the constant occurrence of shorter repeated sequences flanking only one side of the R2 arrays, could be related to asymmetry in the replication of each strand of the mtDNA molecule. The pattern of sequence and length variation within and between species, together with the capability of the arrays to form stable secondary structures, suggests that the dominant mechanism involved in the evolution of these arrays in unidirectional replication slippage.      

残锷线蛱蝶线粒体基因组全序列及其系统学意义(英文)

对残锷线蛱蝶(Parathymasulpitia)(鳞翅目:蛱蝶科)线粒体基因组全序列进行了测定。结果表明:残锷线蛱蝶线粒体基因组全序列全长为15268bp,除了在trnS1(AGN)和trnE基因之间有一段121bp长的基因间隔外,其基因的排列顺序及排列方向与大多数已测鳞翅目物种基本一致。在蛋白质编码基因中,除cox1以CGA作为其起始密码子之外,其余12个蛋白质编码基因都以标准的ATN作为起始密码子。此外,除nad4基因以单独的T为终止密码子,其余12个蛋白质编码基因都以TAA结尾。除trnS1(AGN)缺少DHU臂之外,22个tRNA基因都显示典型的三叶草形二级结构。除A+T富集区外的非编码序列中,线粒体基因组共含有11个基因间隔区。其中,最长的一个121bp的基因间隔区位于trnS1(AGN)和trnE之间,其A+T含量高达100%。另外,和其他鳞翅目物种一样,在其A+T富集区的3’端有一段长达18bp的poly-T结构。A+T富集区内部没有明显的小卫星样多拷贝重复序列,而含有一些微卫星样的重复结构。本研究基于13种蛋白编码基因序列的组合数据,用最大似然法和贝叶斯法对蛱蝶科几个主要亚科间共9个代表物种间的系统发生关系进行了分析。结果表明,本研究的结果与前人的分子系统学研究结论基本吻合(其中,线蛱蝶亚科和釉蛱蝶亚科互为姐妹群),而与形态学的研究结论不一致。     

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence and Characterization of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Control Region of the Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

We determined the complete mtDNA nucleotide sequence of Lates calcarifer using the shotgun sequencing method. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was 16,535 base pairs (bp) in length, and contained 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and one major noncoding control region (CR). The CR was unusually short at only 768 bp. A striking feature of the mitochondrial genome was the high G+C content (46.1%), which is among the highest in fish. The gene order was identical to that of a typical vertebrate. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of 30 fish species representing 14 suborders clearly showed Lates calcarifer was located in the cluster of fish species from the order Perciformes, supporting the traditional systematic classification. We characterized single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CR by sequencing the complete CR of 25 individuals obtained from Australia and Singapore. A total of 68 SNPs were detected. Eighteen SNPs were fixed with alternative nucleotides in Australian and Singapore seabass, and these SNPs could be used for differentiating fish from the two countries.     

Waves and synchrony in Epirrita autumnata/Operophtera brumata outbreaks. II. Sunspot activity cannot explain cyclic outbreaks

1. In recent studies, it has been argued that sunspot activity forces the Epirrita autumnata 9-10-year outbreak periodicity in the mountain birch forest of Fennoscandia. For the following reasons, we challenge this conclusion. 2. With a 10-year outbreak cycle of E. autumnata and the 11-year sunspot cycle, it is expected that the cycles will run in-phase, out-of-phase and in-phase within 10 x 11 years. Hence, given such cycle lengths, sunspot activity should not affect outbreak periods. For a test, the E. autumnata series should be at least 110 years in length. 3. A well-documented E. autumnata outbreak series of 81 years (1888-1968; outbreak periods IV-XII) exists. This series is here lengthened to 114 years by adding outbreak frequencies for three decades (1969-2001). 4. By lengthening the series, three more E. autumnata/Operophtera brumata periods (XIII, XIV, XV) are identified. Period XV, like several earlier periods, was of the moving type, i.e. outbreaks moved in a wavelike manner from northern Fennoscandia to southern Norway. 5. As with several earlier outbreak periods in central northern Fennoscandia, the main timing of periods XIII-XV centred at the middle of the decades. In contrast, outbreaks at the extreme north-western coast of Norway centred at the decadal shifts, i.e. about 1979, 1989 and 1999. Supported by historical documents, we explain the 1979 and 1999 outbreaks as the final expressions of east-west outbreak waves that branched off from the main waves which moved southward during periods XIII and XV. These side-waves in the north are new observations. Outbreaks at the decadal shift 1989/1990 may have been of a more complex nature. 6. We find that sunspot activity does not explain outbreak waves. Furthermore, a test of our 114-year long E. autumnata series against the contemporaneous sunspot series shows that the two series run in-phase and out-of-phase. The observed interval between the two cycles coming in-phase agrees with the expected interval. This challenges the hypothesis of sunspot synchronization of the E. autumnata (and O. brumata) outbreaks.     

P-selectin must extend a sufficient length from the plasma membrane to mediate rolling of neutrophils

Under physiological shear stress, neutrophils roll on P-selectin on activated endothelial cells or platelets through interactions with P- selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). Both P-selectin and PSGL-1 are extended molecules. Human P-selectin contains an NH2-terminal lectin domain, an EGF domain, nine consensus repeats (CRs), a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. To determine whether the length of P- selectin affected its interactions with PSGL-1, we examined the adhesion of neutrophils to CHO cells expressing membrane-anchored P- selectin constructs in which various numbers of CRs were deleted. Under static conditions, neutrophils attached equivalently to wild-type P- selectin and to constructs containing from 2-6 CRs. Under shear stress, neutrophils attached equivalently to wild-type and 6 CR P-selectin and nearly as well to 5 CR P-selectin. However, fewer neutrophils attached to the 4 CR construct, and those that did attach rolled faster and were more readily detached by increasing shear stress. Flowing neutrophils failed to attach to the 3 CR and 2 CR constructs. Neutrophils attached and rolled more efficiently on 4 CR P-selectin expressed on glycosylation-defective Lec8 CHO cells, which have less glycocalyx. We conclude that P-selectin must project its lectin domain well above the membrane to mediate optimal attachment of neutrophils under shear forces. The length of P-selectin may: (a) facilitate interactions with PSGL-1 on flowing neutrophils, and (b) increase the intermembrane distance where specific bonds form, minimizing contacts between the glycocalyces that result in cell-cell repulsion.     

Performance of a spring-feeding moth in relation to time of oviposition and bud-burst phenology of different host species

Abstract. 1. As a spring-feeding moth committed to immature foliage, the autumnal moth Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) must have egg hatch synchronised with the bud-burst of its host plants. Due to large individual variation in the length of the pupal period, however, E. autumnata populations exhibit a prolonged period of flight and oviposition. Because the timing of oviposition in autumn is associated with the timing of egg hatch in the following spring, the time window for egg hatch expands and more potential hosts may become attainable. This suggestion was evaluated under field conditions by rearing E. autumnata eggs and larvae on four different hosts.
2. The performance of E. autumnata was measured by using estimates for fecundity (pupal mass) as well as survivorship of eggs and larvae. Based on the availability of foliage and phenological synchrony between larval and leaf development, early-laid eggs and the larvae originating from them were predicted to perform better on the hosts that have early-flushing leaves. On the late-flushing hosts, the larvae that hatched later were predicted to perform better than the larvae that hatched earlier. Half of the trials were exposed to predators and parasitoids, while the rest were conducted inside mesh-bags preventing larval dispersal and mortality due to natural enemies.
3. The results of the experiment did not support the simple predictions. In particular, host-plant quality and natural enemies appeared to operate discordantly between early- and late-laid eggs. Larvae from the late-laid eggs had rapid development during the larval stages and pupated at the same time and with the same pupal mass as the larvae hatched from the early-laid eggs.
4. The results indicate an occurrence of several, unknown selective forces in E. autumnata populations maintaining variation in the length of the pupal period, timing of oviposition, and timing of egg hatch.     

Mitogenomes of two neotropical bird species and the multiple independent origin of mitochondrial gene orders in Passeriformes

At least four mitogenome arrangements occur in Passeriformes and differences among them are derived from an initial tandem duplication involving a segment containing the control region (CR), followed by loss or reduction of some parts of this segment. However, it is still unclear how often duplication events have occurred in this bird order. In this study, the mitogenomes from two species of Neotropical passerines (Sicalis olivascens and Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) with different gene arrangements were first determined. We also estimated how often duplication events occurred in Passeriformes and if the two CR copies demonstrate a pattern of concerted evolution in Sylvioidea. One tissue sample for each species was used to obtain the mitogenomes as a byproduct using next generation sequencing. The evolutionary history of mitogenome rearrangements was reconstructed mapping these characters onto a mitogenome Bayesian phylogenetic tree of Passeriformes. Finally, we performed a Bayesian analysis for both CRs from some Sylvioidea species in order to evaluate the evolutionary process involving these two copies. Both mitogenomes described comprise 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, 13 protein-codon genes and the CR. However, S. olivascens has 16,768 bp showing the ancestral avian arrangement, while L. angustirostris has 16,973 bp and the remnant CR2 arrangement. Both species showed the expected gene order compared to their closest relatives. The ancestral state reconstruction suggesting at least six independent duplication events followed by partial deletions or loss of one copy in some lineages. Our results also provide evidence that both CRs in some Sylvioidea species seem to be maintained in an apparently functional state, perhaps by concerted evolution, and that this mechanism may be important for the evolution of the bird mitogenome.     

斐豹蛱蝶线粒体基因组全序列的测定和分析(英文)

该研究对斐豹蛱蝶(Argyreus hyperbius)(鳞翅目:蛱蝶科)线粒体基因组全序列进行了测定和初步分析。结果表明:斐豹蛱蝶线粒体基因全序列全长为15156bp,包含13个蛋白质编码基因、22个tRNA和2个rRNA基因以及1个非编码的A+T富集区,基因排列顺序与其它鳞翅目种类一致;线粒体全序列核苷酸组成和密码子使用显示出明显的A+T偏好(80.8%)和轻微的AT偏移(AT skew,?0.019)。基因组中共存在11个2～52bp不等的基因间隔区,总长96bp;以及14个1～8bp不等的基因重叠区,总长34bp。除COI以CGA作为起始密码子外,13个蛋白质编码基因中的其余12个基因是以ATN作为起始密码子。除COI和COII基因是以单独的一个T为终止密码子,其余11个蛋白质编码基因都是以TAA结尾的。除了缺少DHU臂的tRNASer(AGN),其余的tRNA基因都显示典型的三叶草结构。tRNA(AGN)和ND1之间的基因间隔区包含一个ATACTAA结构域,这个结构域在鳞翅目中是保守的。A+T富集区没有较大的多拷贝重复序列,但是包含一些微小重复结构:ATAGA结构域下游的20bp poly-T结构,ATTTA结构域后的(AT)9重复,以及位于tRNAMet上游的5bp poly-A结构等。这项研究所揭示的斐豹蛱蝶的线粒体基因组特征,不仅为认识蛱蝶科的遗传多样性贡献数据,而且对于该物种的保护生物学、群体遗传学、谱系地理及演化研究等具有重要意义。