We have isolated a cDNA encoding the 24 kDa subunit, an iron-sulfur protein, of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase from a human fibroblast cDNA library by colony hybridization using a rat 24 kDa subunit cDNA as a probe. 2. The presequence predicted from the human cDNA sequence is typical of precursors to mitochondrial proteins in a high content of basic residues and in the absence of acidic ones. 3. The mature form of the human 24 kDa subunit shows 95% homology with its rat counterpart. Five cysteine residues are conserved among human, rat and bovine; four of these are expected to be involved in the binding of a binuclear iron-sulfur cluster.