[Precursors of ribosomal RNA in freely suspended callus cells of parsley (Petroselinum sativum)]

Abstract

Six high molecular weight, rapidly labelled RNA species were detected in freely suspended callus cells of Petroselinum sativum by means of isotope labelling and electrophoretic separation in agarose-polyacrylamide gels. On the basis of their migration in the latter the RNA species were calculated to have the following molecular weights: 2.9×10(6), 2,4×10(6), 1.9×10(6), 1.4×10(6), 1.0×10(6) and 0.75×10(6) daltons. Thus they can clearly be distinguished from the two ribosomal RNA species (1.3×10(6) and 0.7×10(6) daltons). During incubation of the cells with [(3)H]methyl-methionine as a methyl donator all six components incorporated radioactivity rapidly. With [(3)H]nucleosides or [(3)H]orotic acid as precursors the 2.9×10(6) and the 2.4×10(6) daltons RNA were labelled within 10 min, while the other high molecular weight species appeared after about 20 min of labelling.Prolongation to 45-120 min resulted in accumulation of radioactivity preferentially in the 1.4×10(6) and 0.75×10(6) daltons RNA and in the ribosomal RNA species. The results of cell fractionation experiments provide evidence that these rapidly labelled high molecular weight RNA species are synthesized in the cell nucleus. The kinetics of their synthesis together with the other data obtained strongly support the suggestion that these RNA species function as precursors in the processing of ribosomal RNA. The possible mechanism of this process is discussed.