Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence 17,059 bp of Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) has been sequenced with the use of next generation sequencing technology using Ion Torrent^PGM platform. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asiatic lion consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and two rRNA genes and 1 Control Region (CR). The mitochondrial genome is relatively similar to other felid mitochondrial genomes with respect to gene arrangement, composition, tRNA structures and skews of AT/GC bases to be typical of those reported for other mammals. The nucleotide composition of Asiatic lion mitogenome shows that there is more A-T% than G-C% on the positive strand as revealed by positive AT and CG skews. The overall base composition is 31.9% of A, 27.2% of C, 14.5% of G and 26.2% of T. Most of the genes have ATA start codons, except ND1, COX2, ATP8, ATP6, ND4 and ND5 have ATG start codons.