A gene encoding the 5 S rRNA-binding protein (YL3) in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was further characterized with respect to its chromosomal localization, the controlling sequence regions, and the influence of 5 S rRNA gene expression. Sequence and chromosome blot analyses localized the gene on chromosome XVI immediately downstream of a cytochrome oxidase assembly gene, COXII. S1 nuclease protection studies identified two major initiation sites, 20 and 65 nucleotides upstream of the coding sequence, and a single polyadenylation site, 98 nucleotides downstream of the stop codon. Northern blot analyses and S1 nuclease protection indicated a normal pattern of gene regulation in media supporting alternate rates of growth, but significantly unbalanced regulation was observed in the presence of mutant 5 S rRNA genes which under-produce RNA and result in reduced growth rates. The results suggest a co-ordinating regulatory mechanism which maintains appropriate levels of 5 S rRNA-protein complex; an internal control region-like sequence in the upstream region of the YL3 gene is consistent with this feedback mechanism.