Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the slender shrew (Sorex gracillimus) from China.

The complete mitogenome sequence of the slender shrew (Sorex gracillimus) was determined using long PCR. The genome was 17,002 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, one origin of L strand replication, and one control region. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is A (32.5%), C (25.5%), T (28.5%), and G (13.5%). The base compositions present clearly the A-T skew, which is most obviously in the control region and protein-coding genes. The extended termination-associated sequence domain, the central conserved domain and the conserved sequence block domain are defined in the mitochondrial genome control region of the slender shrew. Mitochondrial genome analyses based on MP, ML, NJ, and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees. The five Sorex species formed a monophyletic group with the high bootstrap value (100%) in all examinations.