RNA synthesis in puff 2-48BC after experimental induction in Drosophila hydei.

Puffs induced by treatment with vitamin B6 at locus 2-48BC in salivary gland cells of Drosophila hydei were isolated by micromanipulation, and the puff RNA was analyzed electrophoretically. The main RNA species migrated with a mobility of 40S. A similar RNA species was found in this puff after its induction by temperature treatment, except that in this case material with a higher mobility was also found, presumably due to the presence of growing chains. No evidence was found for polyadenylation of the RNA contained within the puff. The RNA profile of nucleoplasm of cells from glands either treated with vitamin B6 or subjected to a temperature shock also displayed a prominent peak with a mobility of 40S which was absent in extracts of nucleoplasm from control glands.