STUDIES ON S—RNA SYNTHESIS, I. PURIFICATION AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RNA-ENZYME COMPLEX

Abstract
The enzyme fraction responsible for the incorporation of terminal nucleotides into the soluble-ribonucleic acid (S-RNA) has been extensively purified. Using this preparation it has been shown (1) that additional species of S-RNA probably exist besides those previously described, (2) that pyrophosphate causes a stimulation of incorporation of C14-cytidine triphosphate into S-RNA, (3) that the reaction of ribonucleoside incorporation into S-RNA is probably reversible. Further fractionation of this enzyme fraction has resulted in the isolation of a predominantly protein component and a predominantly ribonucleic acid component. Each of these fractions is inactive when incubated alone; when incubated together full enzymatic activity is restored. Using the incorporation of C14-adenosine triphosphate into the RNA as an assay system, an attempt has been made to evaluate the effects of phenol extraction and of alcohol precipitation of S-RNA on the biological activity of this material.