Relative base composition of initiation sites for transcription in developing frog embryos

The use of an inhibitor (0.4 N (NH4)2SO4) and an activator (sodium polydextran sulfate) of initiation of transcription in nuclei of frog embryos in vitro indicated that initiation sites for transcription are relatively A--T-rich. Comparison of incorporation of labeled ATP, UTP, and GTP, when initiation of transcription is prevented, indicates that initiation sites become relatively less A--T-rich as development proceeds. Inhibition of initiation of transcription in isolated nuclei blocks the normal increase in rate of transcription that occurs when cells enter the S phase, showing that an increased level of transcription depends upon a greater number of initiation sites.