The control of globin and other eukaryotic genes.

The hypothesis is advanced that eukaryotes control different parts of their genomes by the selective use of origins of replication. Replication of a gene from an origin upstream of the gene is postulated to open it for transcription under appropriate circumstances; replication of a gene from an origin downstream of the gene closes it. The applicability of this hypothesis to the control of the human beta-globin cluster of genes is considered.