Mutational analysis of the N terminus of the protein of maize transposable element Ac.

Mutations of transposable element Ac were tested for their capability to excise themselves from their location autonomously, to be excised by an active Ac, or to act in trans in the excision of an Ac delta element. Removal of 101 amino acids from the N terminus of the Ac protein does not decrease excision. A cis-acting site between base pairs 186 and 207 is important for excision by the wild-type protein but is not necessary for excision by the truncated protein. Improvement of the sequence context of the first AUG does not have a significant effect. Mutations in a small open reading frame of Ac encoding a 102-amino acid protein do not visibly alter excision frequency.