We have cloned the RAD2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and used it to determine the size and direction of its transcript and to make rad2 deletion mutants. The RAD2 gene encodes a 3.3-kb transcript and the direction of transcription is leftwards, from EcoRI towards Bg/II. Deletions of the RAD2 gene have no effect on viability of vegetative cells or spores, or on sporulation.