Abstract
A single tRNALeu gene has been localized and sequenced from Neurospora crassa. It is located only 375 bp from the qa gene cluster and it is the only tRNA or 5S rRNA gene within this cloned 37 kb region. The gene encodes a tRNALeu with the anti-codon AAG, and unlike the other nuclear eukaryotic tRNALeu (AAG) gene sequenced (from C. elegans), contains an intervening sequence of 27 bp. The Neurospora tRNALeu (AAG) is 84% and 73% homologous respectively to the C. elegans and bovine tRNALeu (AAG), and is 84% homologous to a Drosophila tRNALeu (CAA). However, it is only 65% homologous to a yeast tRNALeu (CAA) and there is little conservation of intervening sequences or V-loop regions. The gene hybridizes to at least 16 other DNA fragments in the Neurospora genome. Its expression does not seem to be linked to that of the qa genes.