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Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis and Maturation in the Blue-Green Alga Anacystis nidulans

Department of Biochemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

ABSTRACT

Methods are described for preparation of pulse-labeled ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans. Synthesis of labeled RNA was found to be in part dependent on concurrent photosynthesis and was inhibited by the antibiotic streptolydigin. Mature 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) appeared before mature 16S rRNA. Formation of either molecule was inhibited by chloramphenicol, and RNA species of lesser mobility accumulated. These species may be precursors of the mature forms. Maturation of 16S rRNA was also inhibited by streptolydigin. (The effect of this antibiotic on 23S rRNA maturation was not examined). In many respects, ribosomal RNA synthesis and maturation in this blue-green alga appear to follow the pattern already established for bacteria.