The nucleotide sequence of RPS26, the gene encoding a homologue of ribosomal protein small subunit S26 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was determined. The deduced amino-acid sequence showed significant identity with its counterparts from Neurospora crassa, human, rat and Arabidopsis thaliana. Disruption of RPS26 resulted in the formation of micro-colonies, suggesting that it is important for the normal cell growth of S. cerevisiae.