Small cytoplasmic RNA of Bacillus brevis: transcriptional and phylogenetic analysis

Using a DNA fragment of Bacillus subtilis scRNA as a probe, a Bacillus brevis gene encoding the small cytoplasmic RNA was cloned and characterized. B. brevis scRNA consists of 273 nucleotides; the sequence has comparatively low homology (approximately 70%) with other Bacillus sequences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that B. brevis forms a line of descent distinct from other Bacillus species. However, despite the low overall homology, both functional nucleotide sequence and secondary structural features defined among signal recognition particle (SRP) RNA family members were well conserved.