Nucleotide sequence and characterization of a gene encoding the phytochrome polypeptide from Avena.

We have isolated and characterized a gene encoding the phytochrome polypeptide of Avena. Based on nucleotide sequence identity with previously sequenced cDNA clones this gene is designated as type 3 (phy3). The gene is about 5.9 kb long with six exons and five introns, one each of the latter in the 5' and 3'-untranslated regions. The largest exon encodes the entire 74-kDa, chromophore-bearing, N-terminal domain of the photo-receptor postulated to be directly involved in its mechanism of action. The transcription start point, identified by mung-bean nuclease digestion, is located 24 to 35 bp downstream from a tandem TATA box. Sequence elements homologous to a number of motifs implicated as upstream regulatory elements in other genes are present in the 5'-flanking DNA of phy3. Particularly intriguing are three elements at positions -140, -470 and -650. These elements share homology with the 'GT' motif postulated to be a component of the light-regulatory element of genes encoding the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase.