Macronuclear gene-sized molecules of hypotrichs

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The macronuclear genome of hypotrichous ciliates consists of DNA molecules of gene-sized length. A macronuclear DNA molecule contains a single coding region. We have analyzed the many hypotrich macro-nuclear DNA sequences sequenced by us andothers. No highly conserved promoter sequences nor replication initiation sequences have been identified in the 5′ nor in the 3′ non-translated regions, suggesting that promoter function in hypotrichs may differ from other eukaryotes. The macronuclear genes are intron-poor; ∼19% of the genes sequenced to date have one to three introns. Not all macronuclear DNA molecules may be transcribed; some macronuclear molecules may not have any coding function. Codonias in hypotrichs is different in many respects from other ciliates and from other eukaryotes.