The occurrence of two ribosomal ribonucleases depending on growth phase in yeast. Induction of ribonuclease in glucose-starved cells.

There are two latent ribonucleases associated with the 40 S subunits of yeast ribosomes which differ in their digestion products, pH optimum, molecular weight, and in their activity during growth phase. The 3'-nucleotide-producing enzyme is active only in the late logarithmic or stationary growth phase, whereas the ribonuclease which produces 5'-nucleotides is present at all growth phases. The enzymes were separated by affinity chromatography and were partially characterized. By changing growth conditions--i.e. decreasing and increasing the glucose concentration in the medium--the activity of the 3'-ribonuclease could be induced or reduced.