Location and nucleotide sequence of the gene for the proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase

Location and nucleotide sequence of the gene for the proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase

^*Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA. United Kingdom
^†Protein Sequencing Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JI, United Kingdom
^§Plant Breeding Institute, Maris Lane, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 2LQ, United Kingdom

Abstract

The proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase is encoded by a chloroplast gene that has been accurately mapped and whose nucleotide sequence has been determined. The predicted sequence of 81 amino acids has been confirmed in part by determination of the sequence of the first 40 amino acids from the NH₂ terminus of the protein, and it shows 100% homology with the known amino acid sequence of the spinach protein but no more than 35% homology with the amino acid sequences of bacterial and mitochondrial proteins. The gene shows no deviation from the “universal” genetic code and is not split. A potential ribosome binding site is located 12 nucleotides upstream from the initiation codon, but sequences homologous to prokaryotic promotors and transcription terminators are not apparent.