Transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins of Escherichia coli

Abstract

Transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins in Escherichia coli were measured using the ultraviolet sensitivities of the rates of synthesis of individual ribosomal proteins. The ultraviolet sensitivities of gene transcriptions are proportional to the distances from the promoters. The longest transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins are 3.6 x 10(6) of DNA molecular weight corresponding to 1.8 x 10(6) of RNA or to 180 000 of protein. The length would cover 10--12 genes of ribosomal proteins (of an average Mr of 15000-18000).