Multiple clustered genes of the haemoglobin VIIB subfamily of Chironomus thummi thummi (Diptera).

The nucleotide and inferred amino acid sequence of three globin VIIB genes from the midge, Chironomus thummi thummi have been determined. These three genes are intronless, like all previously reported Chironomid globin genes. Transcription of globin genes VIIB-4, VIIB-5 (and/or VIIB-6) and VIIB-7 was demonstrated by S1 nuclease protection analysis. Comparison of actual and inferred globin VIIB amino acid sequences reveals that (i) most of the amino acid substitutions are conservative in nature, and (ii) none of the substitutions are expected to interfere with the ability of the globins to bind haem. Nucleotide sequence comparisons suggest that gene duplications and partial gene corrections (conversions) have occurred recently in the globin VIIB subfamily locus.