High-fidelity transcription of 5S DNA injected into Xenopus oocytes

Purified DNA, from Xenopus erythrocytes, containing genes for 5S ribosomal RNA (58 DNA) is transcribed faithfully when it is injected into the nucleus of a Xenopus oocyte. Full length 5S RNA of the correct sequence is transcribed from the injected DNA, and the newly synthesized transcripts hybridize predominantly with the coding strand of 5S DNA. The majority of transcripts hybridize with the gene region as opposed to the spacer region of the coding strand. Accurate transcription starts within the first 3 hr and continues for up to 4 days after injection of 5S DNA. Radioactive 5S RNA is detected in as short a labeling time as 1 hr.