18S coding sequences in amplified ribosomal DNA from Xenopus laevis oocytes are highly homogeneous, unmethylated, and...

We have used two approaches to search for sequence variants in the 18S coding region of amplified ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from Xenopus laevis oocytes. First, using clones derived from amplified rDNA, we compared the equivalent of a complete 18S coding region from two clones and short regions from two other clones with the 18S sequence previously determined from a "reference" clone. The respective sequences in all the clones were identical. Secondly, we examined greater than 60% of the 18S sequence in "pooled 18S genes" in uncloned amplified rDNA. The predominant sequence corresponded to that in the reference clone and no heterogeneities were apparent. Since many chromosomal rDNA units contribute to rDNA amplification the findings indicate that 18S coding sequences in X. laevis are largely homogeneous. The previously established sequence is the predominant one, thus providing a reliable basis for studies on 18S rRNA. Sequencing gels on uncloned amplified rDNA confirmed the absence of methylated cytosine in this DNA. The 18S sequence lacks major open reading frames.