Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the polyadenylation signal from the gene for bovine growth hormone to achieve a high level of expression of peptides in eukaryotic cells. Accordingly, the present invention provides a recombinant DNA compound comprising: a first nucleotide sequence which contains a promoter capable of initiating transcription of a gene; a second nucleotide sequence which encodes a gene for a polypeptide other than bovine growth hormone, including genomic and other intron containing forms thereof; a third nucleotide sequence which contains a bovine growth hormone polyadenylation signal; and a fourth nucleotide sequence which optionally contains a selectable marker. The first, second and third sequences are operably linked in sequence to form a functional genetic unit capable of being expressed. The fourth sequence, which is optionally provided, is useful for determining whether or not the DNA of the present invention has been incorporated into a living cell.