Abstract
We have re-examined the nucleotide sequence of Vicia faba (broad bean) 5.8S rRNA using partial chemical degradation and a new approach to high temperature (65-80 degrees C) sequencing gels. The results indicate that the secondary structure was not completely disrupted in previous studies (Tanaka, Y., Dyer, T.A. and Brownlee, G.G. (1980) Nucleic Acid Res. 8, 1259-1272) and explain ambiguities between the nucleotide sequence and T1 ribonuclease digests. Despite this revision, estimates in the secondary structure suggest that this 5.8S rRNA differs from previously examined examples in two respects, more open conformations in both the "GC-rich" and "AU-rich" stems. The secondary structure was probed under a variety of ionic conditions using limited pancreatic and T1 ribonuclease digestion and rapid gel sequencing techniques. These studies and theoretical considerations generally supported the "burp gun" model previously proposed for all 5.8S rRNAs and were inconsistent with the recently suggested "cloverleaf" configuration. More importantly, they were also consistent with more open stem structures in this higher plant.