Abstract
The hypotrichous ciliated protozoan Oxytricha fallax possesses a mechanism for processing its genome into a collection of small, gene-sized, transcriptionally active sections. Macronuclear DNA is arranged as short achromosomal sections, 0.5–22 kilo-base pairs (kbp) long, while micronuclear DNA has a typical chromosomal organization1,2. Macronuclear DNA is derived from micronuclear DNA by a process of polytene chromosome fragmentation with a resultant decrease in DNA sequence complexity3,4. The isolation of intact macronuclear DNA sections enables the study of specific structural units of genetic material that occur naturally in the organism. We have previously described5 the construction of a recombinant plasmid, pOfACT (1.6), which contains an intact 1.6-kb length of macronuclear DNA (Fig. 1) homologous to a yeast actin gene6. We now present the complete nucleotide sequence of the cloned DNA molecule and the derived sequence of the actin protein which it encodes. As the sequence is that of a complete, naturally occurring DNA molecule, it shows all cis-active regulatory regions in addition to the coding region. The actin protein encoded differs considerably from other known actins.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
