Activity of messenger RNA extracted from rat liver mitochondria. 1) Stimulation of an E. coli cell-free system by mitochondrial RNA containing poly a
De Giorgi, C.; Saccone, C.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 54(1): 27-32
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 367392 Document Number: 127226
The isolation of poly(A)-containing RNA from rat liver mitochondria by affinity chromatography on a column of oligo(dT)-cellulose is described. To determine whether the poly(A)-containing RNA had mRNA activity, the incorporation of 35S-methionine into protein in a cell-free extract of Escherichia coli was studied. Even small quantities of poly(A)-containing RNA stimulated the E. coli system. Probably the poly(A)-containing RNA is mRNA but its mitochondrial origin cannot be stated definitely. It may represent cytoplasmic ribosomal mRNA contamination. Experiments with leucovorin suggest that some extramitochondrial mRNA might be present.