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The relationship between ribosomal repeat length and genome size in Vicia

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Abstract

The organization of the ribosomal RNA genes was examined in several species of Vicia in an attempt to determine whether a relationship exists between genome size and ribosomal repeat length. Species within this genus exhibit a sevenfold variation in haploid DNA content. Our data suggest that species with an intermediate genome size maintain one predominant Eco RI class of ribosomal repeat of about 9 kilobases (kb). In contrast, the smallest and largest genomes of Vicia possess one major and several minor classes. The possible relationship between repeat classes among species is discussed. We examined the species with the smallest (V. villosa) and largest (V. faba) genomes in closer detail by R-loop analysis of a satellite DNA from Hoechst 33258 dye-CsCl gradients. Heterogeneity was found in the length of the ribosomal repeat for both species, but no appreciable difference was observed in the distribution of these lengths, which averaged 11–12 kb. This heterogeneity is associated with the nontranscribed spacer region. Intervening sequences were not found in either the 25S or 18S coding regions of the ribosomal repeat of either of these two plants. A putative ribosomal RNA precursor of 7 kb was identified for both species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA

    Gayle K. Lamppa & Sandra Honda

  2. Departments of Botany and Genetics, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA

    Arnold J. Bendich

Authors
  1. Gayle K. Lamppa
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  2. Sandra Honda
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  3. Arnold J. Bendich
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Lamppa, G.K., Honda, S. & Bendich, A.J. The relationship between ribosomal repeat length and genome size in Vicia . Chromosoma 89, 1–7 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302343

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302343

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