Sequences of three transfer RNAs from mosquito mitochondria

The sequences of three transfer RNAs from mosquito cell mitochondria, tRNAArgUCG, tRNAAspGUC, and tRNAIleGAU, determined using a combination of rapid ladder and fingerprinting procedures are reported. These were compared with hamster mitochondrial tRNAArgUCG and tRNAAspGUC determined similarly, and a bovine mitochondrial tRNAIleGAU determined using a somewhat different approach. The primary sequences of the mosquito tRNAs were 35 to 65% homologous to the corresponding mammalian mitochondrial species, and bore little homology to "conventional" (bacterial or eucaryotic cytoplasmic) tRNA. The modification status of the mosquito mitochondrial tRNAs resembled that of mammalian mitochondrial tRNA. The results contribute to the generalization that metazoan mitochondrial tRNA constitutes a distinctive, albeit loosely structured, phylogenetic group.