Characterization of the two rRNA gene operons present in <i>Thiobacillus ferrooxidans</i>

Abstract

The organization of rRNA genes from the autotrophic, acidophilic bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has been examined. Two rRNA operons were found in this microorganism by means of genomic hybridization studies. Recombinant plasmids, pTR-3 and pTR-1 that carry a portion of 16/23 S rDNA from one operon and the 5'-flanking region of the second operon, respectively, were identified and characterized.