text: The invertebrate mitochondrial code ([https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Utils/wprintgc.cgi?chapter=tgencodes#SG5 translation table 5]) is a genetic code used by the mitochondrial genome of invertebrates. Mitochondria contain their own DNA and reproduce independently from their host cell. Variation in translation of the mitochondrial genetic code occurs when DNA codons result in non-standard amino acids has been identified in invertebrates, most notably arthropods. This variation has been helpful as a tool to improve upon the phylogenetic tree of invertebrates, like flatworms.