Chicken ribosomal DNA: gene frequency and purification by R-loop hybridization.

The genes for ribosomal RNA of chicken are present in about 200--240 copies per haploid genome. The ribosomal genes were separated from the bulk of DNA by different methods. In CsCl-actinomycin D gradients the GC-rich ribosomal DNA is shifted to the lower density side of the bulk of DNA. After hybridization with iodinated ribosomal RNA under conditions where R-loops are formed ribosomal DNA has an increased density. The R-loops can be separated from the bulk of DNA in Cs2-SO4 gradients.