The transcripts of Balbiani rings from Chironomus thummi. Giant RNA molecules with messenger characteristics

Abstract

Experimental results on the transcription of Balbiani rings BR 1 and BR 2 of Chironomus thummi salivary gland chromosomes are presented. The DNA of Balbiani ring 2, which is the most active puff in larvae, is transcribed into large RNA molecules of about 22 X 10(6) D which resist degradation by heating, formamide or urea treatment. The asymmetrical distribution of electrophoretic profiles of BR 2 RNA and the appearence of a symmetrical BR RNA peak in the nucleoplasm suggest the synthesis of (mainly) one RNA fraction in BR 2. The gel electrophoretic patterns of BR 1 RNA are, on the other hand, characterized by the appearance of two main fractions of high molecular weight RNA, one of which corresponds in molecular weight (about 22 X 10(6) D) to BR 2 RNA. The second RNA fraction is significantly smaller in molecular size (molecular weight: about 10 X 10(6) D) and, like the 22 X 10(6) D RNA fractions of the two Balbiani rings, resistant against heating in 8 M urea. Binding to poly (U) sepharose of a significant part of Balbiani ring RNA suggests the existence of poly (A) and/or oligo (A) sequences in the Balbiani ring RNA. -- In situ hybridization of BR RNA to the salivary gland chromosomes reveals accumulation of silver grains over the Balbiani ring regions only and demonstrates the restriction of BR DNA sequences to the corresponding Balbiani ring.