The Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad1 gene consists of three exons and the cDNA sequence is partially homologous to the Ustilago maydis REC1 cDNA.

We show that the rad1 gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is comprised of three exons and encodes a protein of 37 kDa. A cDNA clone containing these three exons complements the sensitivity of the rad1-1 mutant to ultraviolet and gamma-radiation and to hydroxyurea. The newly identified ORF of the rad1 gene was found to exhibit partial homology to the REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis. These two genes share putative functional similarities in their respective organisms.