CISTRONS for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in bacteria exist in multiple copies1-3. There is therefore genetic potential for several molecular types of 16S and 23S rRNA. Recently, Young4 has reported evidence for such heterogeneity in Escherichia coli rRNA. We wish to report evidence of a different nature that such heterogeneity exists. This evidence has been obtained by electrophoresis on density gradient polyacrylamide gels and by stepwise elution from methylated albumin kieselguhr (MAK) columns. © 1969 Nature Publishing Group.