The complete mitochondrial genome of Radix balthica (Pulmonata, Basommatophora), obtained by low coverage shot gun next generation sequencing

A 454-FLX low-coverage sequencing approach was used to assemble the mitochondrial genome of Radix balthica. The mtDNA sequence is 13,993 nt long and contains 37 genes (13 protein coding genes, two rRNAs and 22 tRNAs). Four genes, the 12S RNA and seven tRNAs are transcribed in reverse order. The sequence is AT rich (71.3%), similar to other basommatophoran species. Comparison with the most closely related mt genomes available (Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria tenagophila) revealed identical gene orders except for five tRNAs. Next generation sequencing proved to be a fast and easy method for sequencing an entire mitochondrial genome.

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► 454 genomic shot gun sequencing as fast and easy method to recover a full mitochondrial genome sequence.
► Complete mitochondrial genome of the pond snail Radix balthica.
► Comparison with the most closely related mt genomes available (Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria tenagophila) revealed gene order rearrangements for five tRNAs.
► When comparing R. balthica, B. glabrata and B. tenagophila with Siphonaria pectinata not only the position of several tRNAs differed, but also the location of the gene NAD4L.