We have studied transcription in vitro by Q replicase to deduce the minimal features needed for efficient end-to-end copying of an RNA template. Our studies have used templates ca. 30 nucleotides long that are expected to be free of secondary structure, permitting unambiguous analysis of the role of template sequence in directing transcription. A 3'-terminal CCCA (3'-CCCA) directs transcriptional initiation to opposite the underlined C; the amount of transcription is comparable between RNAs possessing upstream (CCA)_n tracts, A-rich sequences, or a highly folded domain and is also comparable in single-round transcription assays to transcription of two amplifiable RNAs. Predominant initiation occurs within the 3'-CCCA initiation box when a wide variety of sequences is present immediately upstream, but CCA or a closely similar sequence in that position results in significant internal initiation. Removal of the 3'-A from the 3'-CCCA results in 5- to 10-fold-lower transcription, emphasizing the importance of the nontemplated addition of 3'-A by Q replicase during termination. In considering whether 3'-CCCA could provide sufficient specificity for viral transcription, and consequently amplification, in vivo, we note that tRNA^His is the only stable Escherichia coli RNA with 3'-CCCA. In vitro-generated transcripts corresponding to tRNA^His served as poor templates for Q replicase; this was shown to be due to the inaccessibility of the partially base-paired CCCA. These studies demonstrate that 3'-CCCA plays a major role in the control of transcription by Q replicase and that the abundant RNAs present in the host cell should not be efficient templates.