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Formalinized specimens used in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies have shown shortcomings with respect to efficacy of DNA isolation and subsequent PCR amplification. In order to pinpoint the source of some of the problems with formalinized tissues in reptiles, we compared the efficacy of isolation and amplification of mtDNA from two different snake species Micrurus fulvius and Lampropeltis triangulum—that differ in composition of tissues typically sampled (intercostal muscle tissue) by researchers performing mtDNA analyses in snakes and other reptiles. This study shows clearly that the more muscle-fiber rich L. triangulum tissues yield higher quality mtDNA that is easier to manipulate with PCR than the myocyte depauperate Micrurus tissues. We suggest that curatorial practice in making available formalin preserved specimens in reptiles should focus on tissue type, most appropriately on muscle-rich tissues. We reiterate previous caution about minimizing amplicon size and maximizing controls for contamination when working with formalin-preserved reptile tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss the developments in the journal, including the publication of plastid genome announcements, increase of papers that correlate mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms with disease state, and minimal requirements for Mitogenome Announcements.

The article reports on the launch of a new rapid communications section called Mitogenome Announcements, which will replace the full-length research articles or short communications that describe single mitochondrial genome sequences. The time from submission to publication online will not exceed two months. The length of the announcements should not exceed 500 words, with only one figure or one table.