Identification of globin mRNA in 10s RNA of rabbit reticulocytes

Electrophoresis on 6% polyacrylamide gels splits 10s RNA of detergenttreated polysomes from rabbit reticulocytes into two major bands. After these two RNAs are isolated separately, the first 10s RNA¹ 1 The 10s RNA with greater electrophoretic mobility toward the anode is designated "first 10s RNA." The slower 10s RNA is "second 10s RNA." directs the synthesis of both α and β chains in the Krebs II ascites cell-free system. In contrast, the second 10s RNA is inactive in directing globin synthesis. This result is further documented by separation of the two 10s RNAs by oligo dT-cellulose chromatography and by isolation of globin mRNA after EDTA-treatment of reticulocyte polysomes. Therefore, globin mRNA containing both α- and β-chain synthetic capacity moves as a single RNA species on electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels.