Transcription of nucleosomal DNA in SV40 minichromosomes by eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA polymerases

SV 40 minichromosomes can be transcribed by prokaryotic and eukaryotic RNA polymerases. Size analysis of transcripts indicated that DNA in nucleosomes was accessible for transcription by both enzymes. Sedimentation of the transcription complex showed that minichromosomes which were being transcribed had a full complement of nucleosomes. Strand selection by E. coli RNA polymerase was reduced by the presence of nucleosomes. No region of SV 40 DNA was preferentially transcribed on minichromosomes by either enzyme.