Organization of Genes for Ribosomal Proteins S7 and S12, Elongation Factors EF-Tu and EF-G in the Cyanobacterium Spirulina Platensis

The gene encoding ribosomal proteins S12 and probably S7 as well as protein synthesis elongation factors Tu (EF-Tu) and G (EF-G) of Spirulina platensis have been identified and cloned. Gene expression was determined for ribosomal protein S12 by genetic complementation of the appropriate Escherichia coli mutant, whereas for the EF-Tu gene it was determined by production of the protein in E. coli minicells. On the basis of these experiments we suggest the following gene order in the S. platensis chromosome: S12, S7, EF-G, EF-Tu.