Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was prepared from a single individual of the
scorpion Hadrurus arizonensis Ewing. The total size of the mitochondrial genome was
estimated to be 13 850 to 14000 base pairs. The mtDNA was surveyed for cleavage sites
using 17 six-base restriction enzymes and three four-base enzymes . The technique of double
digests was used to construct a map of the cleavage sites generated in this mtDNA by nin e
six-base restriction enzymes .
We present a restriction enzyme cleavage map
and information on the size and base composition
of the mitochondrial genome of the scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis Ewing (Iuridae) . This is the
first published restriction site map for an arachnid
mitochondrial genome. This map will be useful
in systematic studies of Hadrurus and related
scorpions, in studies which use mtDNA markers
in the study ofH. arizonensis population biology,
and as a guide for cloning and sequencing the H.
arizonensis mitochondrial genome. Excellent
discussions of animal mitochondrial DNA
(mtDNA) and its use in systematics, biogeography
and population biology can be found i n
Avise et al .