Synthesis of alpha- and beta-globin directed by messenger ribonucleoprotein from rabbit reticulocytes

The translation of globin messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) obtained from high salt-washed rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes by treatment with EDTA was investigated using a cell-free system from mouse Krebs II ascites tumour cells. The messenger activity of the mRNP and the mRNA derived from it by mild deproteinization was compared in the presence and absence of reticulocyte initiation factors. Both forms gave identical products over a wide range of messenger concentration and there was no qualitative or quantitative difference in their efficiency as messengers. It is concluded that the proteins associated with polysomal mRNA do not alter the specificity of translation of alpha- and beta-globin messengers or the requirement for initiation factor.