Sequence of a putative promoter region for the rRNA genes of tobacco chloroplast DNA

Against the traffic: The first evidence for mitochondrial DNA transfer into the plastid genome

Transfer of DNA between different compartments of the plant cell, i.e., plastid, mitochondrion and nucleus, is a well-known phenomenon in plant evolution. Six directions of inter-compartmental DNA migration are possible in theory, however only four of them have been previously reported. These include frequent cases of mitochondrion and plastid to nucleus transfer, plastid to mitochondrion transfer, and rare nucleus to mitochondrion migrations. The connection between the plastid and mitochondrial genomes in flowering plants has been viewed as a one way road. Contrary to these observations we found that a sequence widespread in the carrot mitochondrial genome, designated as DcMP, was transferred to the plastid genome of a carrot ancestor. Interestingly, DcMP was integrated into a tRNA promoter of the plastid trnV gene, replacing the original promoter sequence. The rearrangement of the plastid genome is specific for carrot and closely related species belonging Scandiceae clade. The structure of the sequence and the presence of a 6 nt target site duplication led us to speculate that the transfer was a result of a transposition event of a non-LTR retrotransposon. These findings open interesting questions about the evolution of organellar genomes and mobile genetic elements and provide a useful plastid marker to phylogenetically delineate species relationships within the Scandiceae clade.

Chloroplast DNA from the fern Osmunda cinnamomea: physical organization, gene localization and comparison to angiosperm

Chloroplast DNA from the fern Osmunda einnamomea was isolated by a sucrose gradient procedure utilizing PEG to stabilize chloroplasts. Analysis with the restriction endonucleases PvuII, Sacl and BstEII indicates a chloroplast genome size of 144 kb. A physical map of the fragments produced by these three enzymes was constructed by filter hybridizations using purified PvuII fragments as hybridization probes. The Osmunda chloroplast genome is circular and contains an inverted repeat 8-13 kb in size.Gene probes from tobacco, corn and spinach were used to map the positions of six genes on the Osmunda chloroplast chromosome. The 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs are encoded by duplicate genes which lie within the inverted repeat. Genes for the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, a photosystem II polypeptide, and the alpha and beta subunits of chloroplast coupling factor are located in three different segments of the large single copy region.The Osmunda chloroplast genome is remarkably similar in size, conformation, physical organization, and map positions of known genes, to chloroplast DNA from a number of angiosperms. The major difference between chloroplast DNA from this fern and angiosperms is that the inverted repeat is smaller in Osmunda (8-13 kb) than in angiosperms (22-25 kb).

Location and nucleotide sequence of the gene for the proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase

The proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase is encoded by a chloroplast gene that has been accurately mapped and whose nucleotide sequence has been determined. The predicted sequence of 81 amino acids has been confirmed in part by determination of the sequence of the first 40 amino acids from the NH(2) terminus of the protein, and it shows 100% homology with the known amino acid sequence of the spinach protein but no more than 35% homology with the amino acid sequences of bacterial and mitochondrial proteins. The gene shows no deviation from the "universal" genetic code and is not split. A potential ribosome binding site is located 12 nucleotides upstream from the initiation codon, but sequences homologous to prokaryotic promotors and transcription terminators are not apparent.

Chloroplast tRNA gene contains a long intron in the D stem: Nucleotide sequences of tobacco chloroplast genes for tRNA (UCC) and tRNA (UCU)

The nucleotide sequences of tobacco chloroplast genes for tRNA(Gly) (UCC) and tRNA(Arg) (UCU) have been determined. The tRNA(Gly) gene has a 691-base-pair intron located in the D stem while the tRNA(Arg) gene does not have any intron. The tRNA(Gly) and tRNA(Arg) genes are encoded on the same strand and separated by a 169-base-pair spacer. The tRNA(Gly) gene is transcribed as a 900-base precursor RNA molecule. The tRNA(Gly) and tRNA(Arg) deduced from the DNA sequences show 84% and 55% sequence homologies with Escherichia coli tRNA(Gly) (UCC) and phage T4 tRNA(Arg) (UCU), respectively.

Plastid tRNA genes trnC-GCA and trnN-GUU are essential for plant cell development

Higher plant chloroplast genomes code for a conserved set of 30 tRNAs. This set is believed to be sufficient to support translation, although import of cytosolic tRNA has been proposed to provide additional tRNA species to the chloroplast. Previous knock-outs of tRNA genes, or the pronounced reduction of the level of selected tRNAs, has not led to severe phenotypes. We deleted the two tRNA genes trnN-GUU and trnC-GCA independently from the plastid chromosome of tobacco. No homoplastomic tissue of either DeltatrnN or DeltatrnC plants could be isolated. Both mutants exhibit occasional loss of leaf sectors, and mutant plastid chromosomes are rapidly lost upon relief of selective pressure. This suggests that the knock-out of both trn genes is lethal, and that both tRNA species are required for cell survival. Surprisingly, the impact on chloroplast and cell development differs pronouncedly between the two mutants. Heteroplastomic DeltatrnC and DeltatrnN tissue exhibit different aberrations of the internal membrane systems and, more importantly, heteroplastomic DeltatrnN plants are variegated. Accumulation of tRNA-N and plastid-encoded proteins is reduced in white sectors of DeltatrnN plants, and differentiation of palisade cells is abolished. Our data demonstrate that plastid tRNAs are essential, i.e. not complemented by cytosolic tRNA, and have a differential impact on chloroplast and plant cell development.

Chloroplast rRNA transcription from structurally different tandem promoters: an additional novel-type promoter

Identification of transcription initiation sites in the promoter region of the tobacco chloroplast rRNA operon has been carried out by ribonuclease protection of in vitro capped RNAs and primer extension experiments. A promoter with typical chloroplast -10 and -35 motifs (P1) drives initiation of transcription from position -116 relative to the mature 16s rRNA sequence. In addition, we have found that a second primary transcript starts at position -64. This proximal promoter (P2) lacks any elements similar to those reported so far in chloroplast promoter regions, and hence P2 represents a novel-type promoter. Both transcripts are present in chloroplasts from green leaves and in non-photosynthetic proplastids from heterotrophically cultured cells (BY2), but their relative amounts appear to differ. The steady state level of the P2 transcript, with respect to P1, is higher in BY2 proplastids than in leaf chloroplasts.

Regulation of rDNA transcription in chloroplasts: promoter exclusion by constitutive repression

Spinach chloroplasts contain two types of RNA polymerases. One is multimeric and Escherichia coli-like. The other one is not E. coli-like and might represent a monomeric enzyme of 110 kD. The quantitative relation of the two polymerases changes during plant development. This raises the question, how are plastid genes transcribed that contain E. coli-like and non-E. coli-like promoter elements during developmental phases when both enzymes are present? Transcription of the spinach plastid rrn operon promoter is initiated at three sites: P1, PC, and P2. P1 and P2 are preceded by E. coli-like promoter elements that are recognized by E. coli RNA polymerase in vitro. However, in vivo, transcription starts exclusively at PC. We analyzed different promoter constructions using in vitro transcription and gel mobility-shift studies to understand why P1 and P2 are not used in vivo. Our results suggest that the sequence-specific DNA-binding factor CDF2 functions as a repressor for transcription initiation of the E. coli-like enzyme at P1 and P2. We propose a mechanism of constitutive repression to keep the rrn operon in all developmental phases under the transcriptional control of the non-E. coli-like RNA polymerase.

Chloroplast ribosomes and protein synthesis

Consistent with their postulated origin from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria, chloroplasts of plants and algae have ribosomes whose component RNAs and proteins are strikingly similar to those of eubacteria. Comparison of the secondary structures of 16S rRNAs of chloroplasts and bacteria has been particularly useful in identifying highly conserved regions likely to have essential functions. Comparative analysis of ribosomal protein sequences may likewise prove valuable in determining their roles in protein synthesis. This review is concerned primarily with the RNAs and proteins that constitute the chloroplast ribosome, the genes that encode these components, and their expression. It begins with an overview of chloroplast genome structure in land plants and algae and then presents a brief comparison of chloroplast and prokaryotic protein-synthesizing systems and a more detailed analysis of chloroplast rRNAs and ribosomal proteins. A description of the synthesis and assembly of chloroplast ribosomes follows. The review concludes with discussion of whether chloroplast protein synthesis is essential for cell survival.

Efficient targeting of foreign genes into the tobacco plastid genome

The pPRV plasmids are vectors for targeted insertion of foreign genes into the tobacco plastid genome (ptDNA). The vectors are based on the pUC119 plasmid which replicates in E. coli but not in plastids. The spectinomycin resistance (aadA) gene and a multiple cloning site (MCS) are flanked by 1.8-kb and 1.2-kb ptDNA sequences. Biolistic delivery of vector DNA, followed by spectinomycin selection, yields plastid transformants at a reproducible frequency, approximately 1 transplastomic line per bombarded sample. The selected aadA gene and linked non-selectable genes cloned into the MCS are incorporated into the ptDNA by two homologous recombination events via the flanking ptDNA sequences. The transplastomes thus generated are stable, and are maternally transmitted to the seed progeny. The pPRV vector series targets insertions between the divergently transcribed trnV gene and the rps12/7 operon. The lack of readthrough transcription of appropriately oriented transgenes makes the vectors an ideal choice for the study of transgene promoter activity.

A tRNA gene mapping within the chloroplast rDNA cluster is differentially expressed during the development of Daucus carota

In vivo analysis of expression of the chloroplast rDNA cluster during somatic embryogenesis of Daucus carota (D.carota) was performed by Northern-blot analysis with different DNA probes, spanning both the 16S rRNA gene, the 16S-23S rRNA spacer, which contains the two mosaic tRNA genes tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ala), and the region upstream of the 16S rRNA gene, where a tRNA(Val) maps. We show that expression both of the spacer tRNAs tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ala) is not significantly regulated during development whereas the amount of the transcript corresponding to tRNA(Val) is not detectable during early embryonic stages and progressively accumulates during late phases. Multiple transcription start sites have been identified upstream of the tRNA(Val) gene by S1 mapping analysis, which are activated late during the embryogenesis. These data indicate that developmental control mechanisms act on plastid gene expression during embryogenesis in carrot.

A tRNA(Val) (GAC) gene of chloroplast origin in sunflower mitochondria is not transcribed

A tRNA(Val) (GAC) gene is located in opposite orientation 552 nucleotides (nt) down-stream of the cytochrome oxidase subunit III (coxIII) gene in sunflower mitochondria. The comparison with the homologous chloroplast DNA revealed that the tRNA(Val) gene is part of a 417 nucleotides DNA insertion of chloroplast origin in the mitochondrial genome. No tRNA(Val) is encoded in monocot mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), whereas two tRNA(Val) species are coded for by potato mtDNA. The mitochondrial genomes of different plant species thus seem to encode unique sets of tRNAs and must thus be competent in importing the missing differing sets of tRNAs.

Characterization of a protein binding sequence in the promoter region of the 16S rRNA gene of the spinach chloroplast genome

By means of mobility-shift assays and Exonuclease III mapping we have determined a 14 bp sequence (named CDF2 binding site) located in front of the 16S rRNA initiation start site which is protected by a spinach chloroplast extract. This region does not include neither one of the two '-35' nor of the two '-10' E. coli-like promoter elements which are recognised by E. coli RNA polymerase in vitro. The CDF2 binding site is specifically recognized by two small polypeptides which migrate corresponding to 35 and 33 kDa respectively as shown by UV cross-linking experiments. In vivo transcription initiation of the 16S rRNA gene occurs 13 nucleotides downstream of the 14 bp sequence and is different from the transcription start site which is used by E.coli polymerase in vitro.

Evidence for a translation-mediated attenuation of a spinach chloroplast rDNA operon

The presence of potential hairpin structures H1, H2, H3 in the leader region of a spinach rDNA operon led us to postulate that this operon is regulated by premature termination. The mechanism would be controlled by the presence or absence of ribosomes translating a leader peptide. In vitro synchronized transcription by E. coli RNA polymerase shows that pauses do occur in the leader region. By their sizes, the transient transcripts could correspond to pauses on H1 and H2 as predicted by the model in the absence of ribosomes. The complete leader sequence (pKOPH) and the leader sequence with the hairpin structures deleted (pKOP) have been used to the GalK gene in the pK01 plasmid. The resulting plasmids have been used to transform a GalK- E. coli strain. Measurements of GalK expression show that the promoter region of spinach chloroplast rDNA is neither subjected to the growth rate nor to the stringent control. However, under growth conditions leading to an excess of free ribosomes, the expression of GalK gene appears systematically to be reduced in pKOPH when compared with that of pKOP. These results are consistent with a role of the leader region in a translation-mediated attenuation of the chloroplast rDNA expression.

Structure and organization of Marchantia polymorpha chloroplast genome. IV. Inverted repeat and small single copy regions

We characterized the genes in the regions of large inverted repeats (IRA and IRB, 10,058 base-pairs each) and a small single copy (SSC 19,813 bp) of chloroplast DNA from Marchantia polymorpha. The inverted repeat (IR) regions contain genes for four ribosomal RNAs (16 S, 23 S, 4.5 S and 5 S rRNAs) and five transfer RNAs (valine tRNA(GAC), isoleucine tRNA(GAU), alanine tRNA(UGC), arginine tRNA(ACG) and asparagine tRNA(GUU)). The gene organization of the IR regions in the liverwort chloroplast genome is conserved, although the IR regions are smaller (10,058 base-pairs) than any reported in higher plant chloroplasts. The small single-copy region (19,813 base-pairs) encoded genes for 17 open reading frames, a leucine tRNA(UAG) and a proline tRNA(GGG)-like sequence. We identified 12 open reading frames by homology of their coding sequences to a 4Fe-4S-type ferredoxin protein, a bacterial nitrogenase reductase component (Fe-protein), five human mitochondrial components of NADH dehydrogenase (ND1, ND4, ND4L, ND5 and ND6), two Escherichia coli ribosomal proteins (S15 and L21), two putative proteins encoded in the kinetoplast maxicircle DNA of Leishmania tarentolae (LtORF 3 and LtORF 4), and a bacterial permease inner membrane component (encoded by malF in E. coli or hisQ in Salmonella typhimurium).

Primary structure and sequence organization of the 16S-23S spacer in the ribosomal operon of soybean (Glycine max L.) chloroplast DNA

The nucleotide sequence of a spacer region between 16S and 23S rRNA genes from soybean chloroplasts has been determined. The spacer region is over 3000 bp long and contains two tRNA genes, coding for rRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ala) which contain intervening sequences of 953 and 811 base pairs respectively. There is a strong homology between the two introns suggesting that they have a common origin. These spacer tRNAs are synthesized as part of a kb precursor molecule containing 16S and 23S rRNA sequences.

Using bacteria to analyze sequences involved in chloroplast gene expression

The expression of higher plant chloroplast genes in prokaryotic cells has been used to examine organelle sequences involved in promoter recognition by RNA polymerase, and protein translocation through membranes. The similarity in sequence structure between Escherichia coli promoters and the maize chloroplast atpB promoter has been investigated using deletion and single base pair substitution mutants. The atpB mutants were mainly isolated by a selection system in E. coli, and then used as templates for the analysis of transcription using chloroplast RNA polymerase. It was found that both the bacterial and chloroplast RNA polymerases behaved in a similar fashion with the wild-type and mutant promoters, indicating that the sequences involved in promoter recognition share a considerable degree of homology. Signal peptide recognition of pea cytochrome f has also been examined in E. coli. This signal peptide, which is probably responsible for insertion of the protein into the thylakoid membrane, is efficiently recognized in E. coli leading to the inner membrane insertion of petA::lacZ fusion proteins. This process requires the bacterial SecA protein and points to a general similarity in the mechanisms of protein translocation within chloroplasts and bacteria.

Sequence studies on the soybean chloroplast 16S-23S rDNA spacer region : Comparison with other angiosperm sequences and proposal of a generalized RNA secondary structure model for the intergenic regions

The sequence of the ribosomal spacer region of soybean chloroplast DNA including the 3' end of the 16S rRNA gene, the tRNA(Ala) and tRNA(Ile) genes (but not their introns), the three intergenic regions and the 5' end of the 23S rRNA gene, has been determined. This sequence has been compared to corresponding regions of other angiosperm chloroplast DNAs. Secondary structure models are proposed for the entirety of the intergenic regions a, b and c and for the flanking rRNA regions. A model for a common secondary structure of the ribosomal spacer intergenic regions from chloroplasts of higher plants is proposed, which is supported by comparative evidence.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the tobacco chloroplast genome: its gene organization and expression

The complete nucleotide sequence (155 844 bp) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var. Bright Yellow 4) chloroplast DNA has been determined. It contains two copies of an identical 25 339 bp inverted repeat, which are separated by a 86 684 bp and a 18 482 bp single-copy region. The genes for 4 different rRNAs, 30 different tRNAs, 39 different proteins and 11 other predicted protein coding genes have been located. Among them, 15 genes contain introns. Blot hybridization revealed that all rRNA and tRNA genes and 27 protein genes so far analysed are transcribed in the chloroplast and that primary transcripts of the split genes hitherto examined are spliced. Five sequences coding for proteins homologous to components of the respiratory-chain NADH dehydrogenase from human mitochondria have been found. The 30 tRNAs predicted from their genes are sufficient to read all codons if the ;two out of three' and ;U:N wobble' mechanisms operate in the chloroplast. Two sequences which autonomously replicate in yeast have also been mapped. The sequence and expression analyses indicate both prokaryotic and eukaryotic features of the chloroplast genes.

Complete nucleotide sequence and mRNA-mapping of the large subunit gene of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) from Chlamydomonas moewusii

Nucleotide (nt) sequence of the large subunit (LS) gene of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from the green alga, Chlamydomonas moewusii, and mapping of transcription ends was achieved by two new strategies. The deduced LS sequence of 475 amino acid residues was compared with similar genes from six other species; cyanobacteria, land plants and a related alga (C. reinhardtii). The most conserved regions are the three ribulose bisphosphate binding sites and the CO2 activator site. The nt sequence conservation outside the coding region is limited to only three segments within the 5'-flanking region: a region of tandem repeats, TATAA box and ribosome-binding site. Termination point of transcription is an 'A' residue 3' to the first of two 18-nt inverted repeats, which has the potential to form a stem-loop hairpin structure. The possible role of these potential regulatory features for transcription and translation, and similar structures in other LS genes is presented.

Nucleotide sequences of transfer RNA genes in the Pisum sativum chloroplast DNA

Eight transfer RNA (tRNA) genes which were previously mapped to five regions of the Pisum sativum (pea) chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) have been sequenced. They have been identified as tRNA(Val)(GAC), tRNA(Asn)(GUU), tRNA(Arg)(ACG), tRNA(Leu)(CAA), tRNA(Tyr)(GUA), tRNA(Glu)(UUC), tRNA(His)(GUG), and tRNA(Arg)(UCU) by their anticodons and by their similarity to other previously identified tRNA genes from the chloroplast DNAs of higher plants or from E. gracilis. In addition,two other tRNA genes, tRNA(Gly) (UCC) and tRNA(Ile)(GAU), have been partially sequenced. The tRNA genes are compared to other known chloroplast tRNA genes from higher plants and are found to be 90-100% homologous. In addition there are similarities in the overall arrangement of the individual genes between different plants. The 5' flanking regions and the internal sequences of tRNA genes have been studied for conserved regions and consensus sequences. Two unusual features have been found: there is an apparent intron in the D-loop of the tRNA(Gly)(UCC), and the tRNA(Glu)(UUC) contains GATTC in its T-loop.

In vitro transcription initiation of the spinach chloroplast 16S rRNA gene at two tandem promoters

Two potential prokaryotic promoters, P1 and P2, are characterized 164 and 114 bp upstream of the spinach chloroplast 16S rRNA gene. The strengths of these promoters, calculated according to an homology score established for E. coli RNA-polymerase, are identical. Experiments performed with a Taq I-DNA fragment, containing 16 bp of the 16S rDNA and 243 bp upstream of the gene, give evidence that in vitro, E. coli RNA-polymerase starts transcription at these two promoters. These results are based on both the size of the transcripts and their nucleotide sequences. A possible regulation by differential control of these dual promoters is suggested. S1 mapping with RNAs extracted either from green or from etiolated spinach plants, indicates that, at these two steps of plastid development, transcription in vivo starts at P1. Surprisingly only P2 appears to be conserved in the homologous sequences reported for maize, mustard and Spirodela.

Sequence organization of repetitive elements in the flanking regions of the chloroplast ribosomal unit of Chlamydomonas reinhardii

The flanking regions and the end of the chloroplast ribosomal unit of Chlamydomonas reinhardii have been sequenced. The upstream region of the ribosomal unit contains three open reading frames coding for 111, 117 and 124 amino acids, respectively. The latter polypeptide is partially related to the ribosomal protein L16 of E. coli. Two of the open reading frames overlap each other and are oriented in opposite direction. The region between these open reading frames and the 5' end of the 16S rRNA gene contains numerous short direct and inverted repeats which can be folded into large stem-loop structures. Sequence elements that resemble prokaryotic promoters are found in the same region. Several of the repeated elements are distributed throughout the non-coding regions of the chloroplast inverted repeat. Sequence comparison between the 5S rRNA and its gene does not reveal any significant sequence heterogeneity between the chloroplast 5S rRNA genes.

Chloroplast promoters from higher plants

This survey compiles 60 chloroplast promoter sequences from higher plants published to date and compares them with these sequences from procaryotic systems. The current evidence demonstrates that structurally defined chloroplast promoters are, in most cases, functionally active in initiating gene expression in chloroplasts.

The Nicotiana chloroplast genome. IX. Identification of regions active as prokaryotic promoters in Escherichia coli

The galK-expression plasmid vector system pKO1 has been used to clone Nicotiana chloroplast (ct) promoters that function in Escherichia coli. The randomly cloned promoter-containing restriction fragments have been located on the ct genome and originate both from those regions encoding ribosomal and transfer RNAs and from locations elsewhere on the ct genome. The results provide the first demonstration that sequences which function as prokaryotic promoters exist in the ct genome.

The nucleotide sequences of the genes coding for tRNAArgUCU, tRNAArgACG and tRNAAsnGUU on Spirodela oligorhiza chloroplast DNA

The nucleotide sequences of the genes coding for tRNAArgUCU, tRNAArgACG and tRNAAsnGUU on chloroplast DNA of Spirodela oligorhiza have been determined. All three genes are expressed. 5' Proximal to these genes sequences are found homologous to prokaryotic promoter sequences, which might be involved as transcriptional start motifs.

The ribosomal RNA genes from chloroplasts of mustard (Sinapis alba L.): mapping and sequencing of the leader region

The genes coding for rRNAs from mustard chloroplasts were mapped within the inverted repeat regions of intact ctDNA and on ctDNA fragments cloned in pBR322. R-loop analysis and restriction endonuclease mapping show that the genes for 16S rRNA map at distances of 17 kb from the junctions of the repeat regions with the large unique region. The genes for 23S rRNA are located at distances of 2.8 kb from the junctions with the small unique region. Genes for 4.5S and 5S rRNA are located in close proximity to the 23S rRNA genes towards the small unique region. DNA sequencing of portions of the 5' terminal third from the mustard 16S rRNA gene shows 96-99% homology with the corresponding regions of the maize, tobacco and spinach chloroplast genes. Sequencing of the region proximal to the 16S rRNA gene reveals the presence of a tRNA(Val) gene in nearly the same position and with identical sequence as in maize, tobacco and spinach. Somewhat less but still strong homology is also observed for the tDNA (Val)/16S rDNA intercistronic regions and for the regions upstream of the tRNA(Val) gene. However, due to many small and also a few larger deletions and insertions in the leader region, common reading frames coding for homologous peptides larger than 44 amino acids can not be detected; it is therefore unlikely that this region contains a protein coding gene.

Accurate processing and pseudouridylation of chloroplast transfer RNA in a chloroplast transcription system

The trancription of a cloned trnV1-trnN1-trnR1 cluster from Euglena gracilis chloroplast (ct) DNA and the processing of a tRNA(Val)-tRNA(Asn)-tRNA(Arg) polycistronic precursor were studied in a spinach ct transcription extract. A soluble ct RNA polymerase selectively transcribes the trnV1-trnN1-trnR1-trnL1 locus in the EcoG fragment from the Euglena ct genome. Restriction enzyme modified templates and RNA fingerprint analysis were used to confirm that the tRNA genes were correctly transcribed. The tRNA(Val)-tRNA(Asn)-tRNA(Arg) polycistronic precursor transcribed by RNA polymerase III in a HeLa cell extract was used as a substrate to demonstrate that a ct tRNA precursor molecule is correctly processed by the ct tRNA processing enzymes. The oligonucleotide pattern of tRNAs processed in vitro from the tRNA(Val)-tRNA(Asn)-RNA(Arg) polycistronic precursor is indistinguishable from tRNA(Val), tRNA(Asn) and tRNA(Arg) transcribed by the ct RNA polymerase and processed in the ct transcription extract. The 3'-CCAOH is added to the tRNAs by a 3' nucleotidyltransferase after correct processing of the 3' terminus. Correct pseudouridylation was demonstrated for uridine residues in a tRNA(Met) m molecule transcribed from a spinach ct trnM1 locus. Thus, the enzymatic activities involved in tRNA biosynthesis in vitro include DNA-dependent (tDNA) RNA polymerase, a 5'-processing activity (RNase P-like), a 3'-exonuclease, an endoribonuclease involved in 3'-tRNA maturation, a tRNA nucleotidyltransferase, and pseudouridylate synthetase.

Mapping of transfer RNA genes on tobacco chloroplast DNA

Tobacco chloroplast tRNAs have been purified by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, identified by aminoacylation, labelled at their 3'-end and hybridized to tobacco chloroplast DNA restriction fragments, in order to establish a tRNA gene map. These hybridization studies have revealed the localization of at least seven genes in each inverted repeat region, a minimum of 22 tRNA genes in the large single copy region and one tRNA gene in the small single copy region. Comparison of the tobacco chloroplast tRNA gene map to that of maize shows many similarities, but also some differences suggesting that DNA sequence rearrangements have occurred in the chloroplast genome during evolution.

The nucleotide sequences of tRNASer (GCU) and tRNAGln (UUG) genes from tobacco chloroplasts

The nucleotide sequence of tobacco chloroplast genes for tRNASer (GCU) and tRNAGln (UUG) have been determined. These tRNA genes are encoded on the same DNA strand and separated by 1144 bp. Two open reading frames of 52 codons and 98 codons have been found in this spacer region. The tRNASer (GCU) and tRNAGln (UUG) deduced from the DNA sequences show 67% and 76% sequence homologies with E. coli tRNASer (GCU) and tRNAGln (UUG), respectively.

Overlap and cotranscription of the genes for the beta and epsilon subunits of tobacco chloroplast ATPase

The nucleotide sequences of the genes for the beta and epsilon subunits of tobacco chloroplast ATPase have been determined. The coding regions for the beta and epsilon subunits contain 1494 bp (498 codons) and 399 bp (133 codons), respectively. The 3' end of the beta-coding region overlaps by one nucleotide with the 5' end of the epsilon-coding region. The overlapping termination and initiation codons are ATGA. The beta and epsilon genes are cotranscribed as a 2.7-kb polycistronic mRNA. The amount of the beta and epsilon mRNA in the chloroplast is about one-twentieth that of the LS mRNA.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a 23S rRNA gene from a blue-green alga, Anacystis nidulans

The complete nucleotide sequence of a 23S rRNA gene from a blue-green alga, Anacystis nidulans, has been determined. This nucleotide sequence has 78% and 68% homologies with those of the tobacco chloroplast and Escherichia coli 23S rRNA genes, respectively. The 3'-terminal region of the A. nidulans 23S rRNA gene has strong homology with the chloroplast 4.5S rRNA.

The nucleotide sequences of the regions flanking the genes coding for 23S, 16S and 4.5S ribosomal RNA on chloroplast DNA from Spirodela oligorhiza

The nucleotide sequences of the flanking regions of the genes coding for Spirodela oligorhiza chloroplast ribosomal RNA's have been determined. We have compared these sequences to the corresponding ones in chloroplast DNA of other plants and of E. coli and find a striking sequential or structural homology. The region 5'-proximal to the gene coding for 16S rRNA contains a gene coding for tRNAval, which is transcribed from the same strand. In this area three prokaryotic promoter motifs are found: one located in front of the tRNAval gene and two in the intergenic space between this gene and the 16S rRNA gene. The middle one is used for the start of the transcription of the large ribosomal RNA precursor.

Nucleotide sequence of tobacco chloroplast gene for the alpha subunit of proton-translocating ATPase

The tobacco chloroplast gene for the alpha subunit of proton-translocating ATPase has been cloned and sequenced. The coding region contains 1521 bp (507 codons). The nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence show 55% and 54% homologies with those of the E. coli alpha subunit, respectively. The deduced amino acid composition is quite similar to that estimated for the spinach alpha subunit.

Nucleotide sequences of tobacco chloroplast genes for elongator tRNAMet and tRNAVal (UAC): the tRNAVal (UAC) gene contains a long intron

The nucleotide sequences of tobacco chloroplast genes for elongator tRNAMet and tRNAVal (UAC) have been determined. The tRNAVal gene contains a 571 base pairs intron located in the anticodon loop. The tRNAVal gene is transcribed as a 750 bases precursor RNA molecule. Both tRNAs deduced from the DNA sequences show 97% sequence homologies with those of spinach chloroplasts.

Structure and transcription of the spinach chloroplast rDNA leader region

A cloned fragment of spinach chloroplast DNA carrying 140 bp of the 16S rRNA gene and 691 bp upstream this gene has been analysed by DNA sequencing, by in vitro transcription, by S1 mapping with chloroplast RNAs and purified 16S rRNA from 30S ribosomal subunits. A tRNAVal gene has been located between the position 394 and 465. Crude chloroplast RNA polymerase has been purified by heparin sepharose chromatography of a 80 000 g supernatant from pure lysed spinach plastids and used to transcribe the cloned Bg1 II-Pvu II DNA fragment. Four in vitro transcripts of about 830, 550, 350 and 260 bases were obtained whatever RNA polymerase used: the chloroplast or the E. coli enzyme. The transcripts of 550 and 260 bases are initiated by ATP. S1 mapping with in vivo chloroplasts RNAs on 5' labelled separated strands from Bg1 II-Pvu II fragments indicates 2 protected DNA fragments respectively of 140 and 260 bases on the strand which codes for rRNAs and possibly one protected DNA fragment of 550 bases on the other strand. The start site of the 260 bases transcript might correspond to the initiation site of transcription of the rRNA genes. The possibility that the 550 bases transcription of the non coding strand for rRNA genes corresponds to the beginning of a mRNA is discussed.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a 23-S rRNA gene from tobacco chloroplasts

The nucleotide sequence of a tobacco chloroplast 23-S rRNA gene, including the spacer between it and the 4.5-S rRNA gene, has been determined. The 23-S rRNA coding region is 2804-base-pairs long. A comparison with the 23-S rRNA sequence of Escherichia coli reveals strong homology and further shows a similarity between the chloroplast 4.5-S rRNA and the 3'-terminal region of E. coli 23-S rRNA. However, the 101-base-pair spacer sequence between the 23-S and 4.5-S rRNA genes has little homology with E. coli 23-S rRNA.

Nucleotide sequence of the 16S - 23S spacer region in an rRNA gene cluster from tobacco chloroplast DNA

The nucleotide sequence of a spacer region between 16S and 23S rRNA genes from tobacco chloroplasts has been determined. The spacer region is 2080 bp long and encodes tRNAIle and tRNAAla genes which contain intervening sequences of 707 bp and 710 bp, respectively. Strong homology between the two intervening sequences is observed. These spacer tRNAs are synthesized as part of an 8.2 kb precursor molecule containing 16S and 23S rRNA sequences.