The synthesis of ribonucleic acid during inhibition of Escherichia coli by chlortetracycline.

1. During inhibition of Escherichia coli by chlortetracycline, protein synthesis was sharply reduced whereas synthesis of RNA was much less affected. 2. Most of the RNA made during inhibition was contained in particles that sedimented more slowly than ribosomes. 3. The particles were more sensitive than ribosomes to degradation by ultrasonic vibrations and ribonuclease and differed from ribosomes in their behaviour during chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. 4. The particles contained two species of RNA that differed slightly in their sedimentation properties from the two RNA components found in ribosomes. 5. The nature of the events taking place during inhibition by chlortetracycline is discussed with particular reference to the status of the particles that accumulate and to the mode of action of this and other antibiotics.