Structure and organization of ribosomal DNA

Biochimie. 1991 Jun;73(6):631-8. doi: 10.1016/0300-9084(91)90042-y.

Abstract

Three trends are seen in the organization of ribosomal DNA genes during evolution: 1) gradual separation and separability of the regulation of transcription of 5S and larger subunit rRNAs; 2) retention of a transcription unit containing both large and small rRNAs; and 3) clustering of genes for both 5S and 18S-28S rDNAs, with the possible association of other 'non-rDNA' in the clusters of 18S-28S rDNA genes by the time mammals evolve.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • DNA, Ribosomal / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Mammals / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 23S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5S / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Yeasts / genetics
  • rRNA Operon / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 23S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5S