Closely related mRNA sequences of protamines in rainbow trout testis

Recombinant plasmids containing DNA complementary to protamine messenger RNA of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) have been isolated and sequenced. One of the clones contained the entire coding sequence of a protamine gene together with the complete 3' non-coding region. Another clone had an identical nucleotide sequence in the coding region but four base substitutions in the 3' non-coding region. On the basis of a comparison of the nucleotide sequences available at present, the structure and divergence of the protamine gene family are discussed.