Localization and DNA sequence around the initiation site of ribosomal RNA transcription in Physarum polycephalum

We have used S1 nuclease to map the initiation site of ribosomal RNA transcription in the acellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum, and we have determined the sequence of 1011 nucleotides surrounding the start site. Consistent with others' observations, there is little homology with the comparable region of other species. As predicted by previous restriction mapping, direct repeats roughly 30 base pairs in length are present upstream of the initiation site and a 148 base pair duplication occurs in the external transcribed spacer. The results also suggest the presence of a processing site within the external transcribed spacer of the ribosomal transcription unit.