Genetic analysis of the 5S RNA genes in Drosophila melanogaster

The 5S RNA genes of Drosophila melanogaster in either an isogenic wildtype or a multiply inverted (SM1) chromosome 2 increase their multiplicity when opposite a deficiency for the 5S gene site. This is analogous to the compensation phenomenon previously described for the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes of the X chromosome nucleolus organizer region. Molecular hybridization of 5S RNA to DNA containing various doses of the 56F1-9 region of chromosome 2 demonstrates that most, if not all, of the 5S genes reside in or near this region. Also, a deficiency missing approximately one-half of the wild-type number of 5S genes was isolated and genetically localized. This mutant has a phenotype like that of bobbed, a mutant known to be partially deficient in 18S and 28S ribosomal RAN genes. Finally, we report the existence of a chromosomal rearrangement which splits the second chromosome into two segments, each containing 5S DNA.