STUDIES ON RIBOSOMAL RNA FROM TETRAHYMENA BY ZONE VELOCITY SEDIMENTATION IN SUCROSE GRADIENTS AND BASE RATIO ANALYSIS

A method for the isolation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Tetrahymena is described. Purified rRNA, when analyzed on sucrose density gradients zonal centrifugation, showed two main peaks sedimenting at about 25.4 S and 17 S. Base ratio analysis showed low (36 %) G+C mole %. On the basis of the sedimentation rate, as well as the low G+C content, it is suggested that Tetrahymena rRNA is unlike the known forms of either prokaryotes or higher eukaryotes and possibly represents an intermediate form. © 1969.