Multiple termination sites in an unlinked 5S rRNA operon in the archaebacterium, Thermococcus celer

The termini of transcripts from an unlinked 5S rRNA operon were analyzed in the archaebacterium, Thermococcus celer. While the sequences of the 5' termini were completely consistent with the presently accepted consensus promoter sequences, putative multiple termination sites were identified which differed significantly from those identified in other organisms, including archaebacteria. Although termination appears to be dependent on a stem/loop structure this structure does not immediately precede a uridylic acid residue cluster. Rather, an adenylic acid residue cluster follows the termination site. The relationship of this termination site structure to those of other archaebacteria is considered.