Ribosomal ribonucleic acids of cultured cells: a preliminary survey of differences among mammalian species detectable by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract

Ribosomal ribonucleic acids (rRNA's) of cultured cells from various species were compared by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Electrophoretic mobility of the 28 S RNA component varied according to species. Human cell 28 S rRNA was distinguishable from that of monkey cells. The mobility of chimpanzee 28 S rRNA was identical to that from human cells, but different from that of monkey cells. Cat, goat, and swine cell 28 S rRNA's were distinguishable from one another and from both human and monkey cell rRNA's. The mobilities of bovine, rabbit, rat, hamster, and mouse cell 28 S rRNA's were virtually identical to that from monkey cells. No apparent correlation existed between the mobility of 28 S rRNA and the currently accepted phylogenetic position of the donors. Normal cells, tumor cells, and virus-infected cells from the same species did not differ, but in some instances embryonic and adult cells were distinguishable. The 18 S rRNA components did not show variations comparable to those of the 28 S rRNA components.