News Genetics

Lizard-like tuatara carry two distinct mitochondrial genomes

This extra set of genes, never found in a vertebrate before, may help the reptile tolerate cold

A tuatara, which looks like a spiny lizard

Blood from a tuatara like this one revealed a genetic first for a vertebrate: The reptile has two distinct instruction books for mitochondrial DNA.

Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr

By Devin A. Reese

- More than 2 years ago

The lizard-like tuatara already was an oddball. Its superpowers include a century-long lifespan, resistance to many diseases and a unique tolerance (for a reptile) to the cold.