The two genes encoding yeast ribosomal protein S8 reside on different chromosomes, and are closely linked to the hsp70 stress protein genes SSA3 and SSA4.

A 7.4 kb segment of chromosome II was sequenced and analysed. This segment is part of the 25 kb insert of cosmid clone alpha 1004.10 which is located on the left arm of chromosome II. Sequence analysis revealed four open reading frames (ORFs), of which two had been characterized previously (SSA3, AAR2) and one was not identified. The other ORF was precisely 600 bp long and the deduced protein sequence predicted a very basic protein (pI = 11.1; molecular weight = 22.5 kDa). Evidence was found that the ORF is the S40 ribosomal protein gene (RPG) S8. Consensus splice signals were found in the 5' leader sequence and also potential RPG-specific sequences. Chromoblot analysis revealed a second copy of the S8 RPG on chromosome IV or VIII. This copy is also closely linked to an hsp70 protein gene, SSA4.