The DNA sequence at the T7 C promoter.

Restriction fragments of T7 DNA which selectively bind E. coli RNA polymerase have been identified. These include fragments located close to the beginning of gene 1 where according to Minkley and Pribnow (1973) there is a promoter called C. The smallest fragment from this region which binds RNA polymerase has been sequenced. It contains a promoter-like sequence, at an appropriate distance from the sequence TACA which Minkley and Pribnow suggested should lie at the initiation site of C. RNA synthesised in vitro from these fragments has been sequenced. The RNA sequence corresponds to the sequence to the right of the C promoter. The C promoter differs significantly from the A1 A2 and A3 promoters in sequence. Its structure and position suggest it plays a role in T7 infection.