The sequence of 16S rRNA from Mycoplasma strain PG50

The DNA sequence of one of the 16S rRNA genes (cistron rrnA) of Mycoplasma strain PG50 was determined. It is 1523 bp long and has about 70% homology to the sequence of Escherichia coli 16S rRNA (rrnB). The G + C content of the sequence is 48% compared with 56% G + C in the E. coli sequence. The secondary structure is formed and it is determined that most of the differences between the two sequences are seen in stems while loops in the secondary structure are conserved. A detailed description of differences and similarities to known sequences and rRNA oligonucleotide catalogues is given, and this information is used to discuss functional properties and phylogenetic relations of mycoplasma 16S rRNA.