Processing of transcription products of the gene encoding the RNA component of RNase P

The gene coding for the RNA component of RNase P from Escherichia coli was transcribed in vitro by using a restriction fragment carrying the gene as template. The terminal sequences of the transcription products were determined and mapped on the DNA sequence of the gene. The signals for transcription initiation and termination of the gene were thus identified. Transcription termination occurs within a region of two bases at positions 413 and 414 from the transcription start site. The transcripts carry extra stretches of 36 and 37 nucleotides at the 3' end of the RNA molecule isolated from the enzyme. The extra sequences were removed in vitro when the transcripts were incubated with a crude cell extract.