DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID-DEPENDENT INCORPORATION OF NUCLEOTIDES FROM NUCLEOSIDE TRIPHOSPHATES INTO RIBONUCLEIC ACID

Abstract

Extracts and ammonium sulfate fractions of the microorganisms Lactobacillus arabinosus and Azotobacter vinelandii bring about an incorporation of labeled nucleotides from ribonucleoside 5''-triphosphates into RNA predominantly in non-terminal positions. Polynucleotide phosphorylase is not involved in this reaction. The presence of ATP, GTP, UTP, and CTP, is required for maximal incorporation of one of them. Fractionation with ammonium sulfate results in marked decrease of DNA in the active fractions and brings forth a DNA requirement for nucleotide incorporation. The effect of DNA is not due to inhibition of nucleases in the enzyme preparations and appears to be of a more direct nature.