Evolution of ribosomal RNA

Abstract

1. 1. The G + C content of ribosomal RNA of animals seems correlated with the length of periods required for maturation of those organisms. 2. 2. In Protostomes of the animal kingdom, the size of the 28S rRNA molecule does not seem to correlate with the evolutionary stage of the organism. 3. 3. Aphids and water-fleas as well as some protozoa have the 18S rRNA with mol. wt of 0.9 × 10 6 against an overwhelming pressure of evolution to conserve the rRNA molecule of 0.7 × 10 6 daltons. 4. 4. All the Deuterostomes examined were distinguished from Protosomes by having the 28S rRNA's void of the hidden break at the central point. 5. 5. Aphids and nematodes are exceptional Protostomes in that they have the 28S rRNA's without the hidden break. This was discussed in the light of the evolutionary stage of these organisms. 6. 6. Molecular properties of chloroplast rRNA seem to evidence for endosymbiotic origin of this organelle. Mitochondrial rRNA differs considerably from prokaryotic rRNA with respect to molecular size and base composition.