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. 1980 Dec;77(12):7367–7371. doi: 10.1073/pnas.77.12.7367

Molecular limits on the size of a genetic locus in Drosophila melanogaster.

W McGinnis, J Farrell Jr, S K Beckendorf
PMCID: PMC350504  PMID: 6784122

Abstract

This report places outer limits on the size of the DNA region required for expression of a Drosophila gene. This region, termed the unit of expression, includes not only the structural gene but also any cis-acting sequences that modulate its activity. The locus we have chosen, Sgs-4, codes for one of the glue proteins secreted by larval Drosophila salivary glands. Cytological deficiencies have been identified that eliminate sequences on one side or the other of Sgs-4 without affecting its expression. The ends of these deficiencies have been localized accurately with respect to restriction endonuclease sites in and near the locus. These endpoints limit the Sgs-4 structural gene and essential flanking sequences to a 16- to 19-kilobase region of the X chromosome. The results also show that there is no DNA sequence rearrangement in the Sgs-4 region during development of either the polytene larval salivary glands or adult flies.

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