Purification and properties of transcription factor IIIA (TF IIIA) from maize pollen (Zea mays L.) are presented for the first time. The purified protein has a molecular mass of about 35 kDa and exibits binding affinity toward both 5S rRNA and 5S rRNA gene. It also facilitates transcription of the 5S rRNA gene in a HeLa cell extract.