TRANSFER OF THE METHYL GROUP OF METHIONINE TO NUCLEOLAR RIBONUCLEIC ACID

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Abstract
Puromycin inhibited more markedly the incorporation in vitro of [Me-C14]methionine in the cytoplasm and chromosomes than in the nucleolus of salivary-gland cells of a chironomid. The nucleolar radioactivity acquired in the presence of puromycin was removed by ribonuclease, but was not removed by dilute alkali or concentrated hydroxylamine. The methyl group as such was transferred to nucleolar ribonucleic acid (RNA). The methylation presumably represents an aspect of the synthesis of "transfer" RNA which is not directly dependent on the chromosomes. The intracellular recognition of "transfer" RNA that was possible with the use of radioautography permits further cytochemical work.