Intervening sequences in a Dictyostelium gene that encodes a low abundance class mRNA

Using S1 nuclease protection experiments and DNA sequencing, we have identified two intervening sequences (introns) within a Dictyostelium gene that codes for a low abundance class mRNA. The two introns are located within the protein coding region of this gene. Both are small (approximately 100 bp) and extremely (approximately 95%) A + T rich. The splice junction sequences are similar to the splice sites in other eukaryotes. Finally, we have shown that these introns are transcribed as part of a higher molecular weight nuclear precursor.