Purification of Sea‐Urchin RNA Polymerase II

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Abstract
Purification of RNA polymerase II from gastrulae of P. lividus is described. The enzyme obtained is homogeneous as judged by electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions. It is able to transcribe both native high-MW P. lividus DNA and Psammechinus miliaris h22 histone DNA, although single-stranded and nicked DNAs are better templates. P. lividus RNA polymerase II forms with homologous native DNA stable binary complexes that are able to initiate RNA chains after exposure to heparin. Heparin-resistant complexes do not form on nicks of DNA molecules. Sensitivity of sea-urchin RNA polymerase II to rifamycin derivatives and .alpha.-amanitin was determined.