A transcriptionally active pseudogene in xenopus laevis oocyte 5S DNA.

DNA that encodes the Xenopus laevis 5S pseudogene is transcribed following microinjection into oocyte nuclei. Transcription in injected oocytes is accurate, is mediated by RNA polymerase III and is initiated at the first nucleotide of the pseudogene. The level of pseudogene transcription can be as high as 85% of that of the normal 5S gene. The results suggest that the observed absence of pseudogene transcripts of defined length in vivo probably is due to inefficient termination of transcription.