Abstract
The DNA in the macronucleus of the ciliated protozoan Oxytricha exists as small linear molecules with a number average size of about 3000 base pairs. Most, and possibly all of these DNA molecules contain the same inverted terminal repeat sequence of approximately 26 base pairs. In addition to its terminal location, 2 inverted copies of this same sequence surround single-strand interruptions within these DNA molecules. This sequence arrangement may function in the processing of these molecules from large chromosomal precursors or in the subsequent replication of these small linear DNA during cell reproduction.