Structure of the cloned Locusta migratoria mitochondrial genome: restriction mapping and sequence of its ND-1 (URF-1) gene.

We have cloned the entire mitochondrial genome of Locusta migratoria in four fragments and characterised by restriction mapping. In addition, we have sequenced a 1,095 kb region containing the ND-1 (URF-1) gene. The inferred primary structure of the protein is highly homologous to its Drosophila counterpart (68%). The gene is flanked at the 5' end by the tRNA(CUNleu) gene, interrupted by the sequence TTG. The 3' end is flanked by the tRNA(UCNser) gene, followed by a sequence homologous to the 3' end of D. yakuba cytochrome b. The relative position of the genes is conserved between Locusta and Drosophila, thus indicating conservation of mitochondrial gene order in insects.