Complete mitochondrial genome of the red alga Besa japonica (Gigartinales, Phyllophoraceae) from Korea

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. japonica (Gigartinales, Phyllophoraceae) was determined for the first time using long-range PCR and primer walking. The mitogenome was 26,276 bp long, with three ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 23 protein-coding genes. It showed genetic similarity to the mitogenomes of related species in the Phyllophoraceae family; however, no introns were found in the ribosomal RNA genes (the large and small subunit genes) or the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. These features of the B. japonica mitogenome could prove useful for taxonomic differentiation among similar Phyllophoraceae species at the species and genus levels.