Noncoordinate control of the synthesis of different species of RNA in Escherichia coli K12 during uridine starvation.

During uridine starvation in Escherichia coli K12, the rate of RNA accumulation comes down to about 7% of the nonstarved rate. This is achieved, in part, by an eight-fold increase in the assembly time of stable RNA molecules. However, the assembly time of mRNA molecules is not enhanced as much, being longer by a factor of 3 in starved cells compared to nonstarved ones. It, therefore, appears that the rate of synthesis of these two RNA species is noncoordinately controlled during uridine starvation. This control does not seem to be mediated by guanosine tetraphosphate.