Replication timing and Xenopus 5S RNA gene transcription in vitro

The influence of DNA replication in a chromosomal environment on the transcription of Xenopus laevis 5S RNA genes has been examined using low-speed extracts of Xenopus eggs and Xenopus sperm nuclei. The major oocyte- and somatic-type 5S RNA multigene families of X. laevis are differentially expressed in these extracts dependent on limiting transcription factors and replicate in different compartments of S-phase. Under these particular experimental conditions the timing of replication of the somatic 5S RNA genes appears to be independent of their transcriptional activity. Moreover, differential transcription of the oocyte- and somatic-type 5S RNA genes is not influenced by the replication process.