Characterization and in vitro expression of the cytochrome b-559 genes of barley. I. Localization and sequence of the genes.

The psbE and psbF genes encoding the 9.4 and 4.4 kD apoproteins of cytochrome b-559 have been located in the chloroplast genome of barley. As in other plant species they are found adjacent to each other in the large single copy region of the chloroplast DNA. Both the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence for the two polypeptides are identical to that of wheat and more than 95% similar to those of spinach, tobacco and Oenothera. The region between the two genes spans 10 nucleotides (excluding the stopcodon) and contains a typical procaryotic ribosomal binding site. A dicistronic transcript is identified, but the presence of a ribosomal binding site between the two genes may allow independent translation.