A cDNA library has been prepared using poly A+mRNA from polysomes of root nodules of broadbean (Vicia faba L.). Several leghemoglobin (Lb) cDNA clones were identified by hybridization to a known Lb-sequence from pea. Sequencing of these clones revealed the existence of at least 3 different Lb genes in broadbean. Hybrid-released translation experiments confirmed the existence of a multigene family of leghemoglobins in this species. A comparison of the sequences of the untranslated 3′ end of these transcrits revealed several polyadenylation signals as well as a highly conserved sequence of 16 base pairs (bp). The central part of this sequence is conserved between the Lb genes of different species and is present as an inverted repeat in the coding region.
