Size distribution of "informational" RNA.

Previous investigations suggested that the size of "informational" or "messenger" RNA was confined to sedimentation rates lying between 8 and 14S. These involved procedures permitting extended contact of the RNA with enzymatically active extracts. The present study re-examined the size distribution of T2-complementary RNA isolated by a method which minimized enzymatic degradation. A much greater diversity in size distribution (4S to 25S) was observed. Experiments are described indicating that 8 to 12S informational RNA does not readily attach to the 16S and 23S ribosomal components under the conditions used for sedimentation analysis.