Induction by RNA of inositol independence in Neurospora crassa

The effect of purified wild-type RNA (allo-RNA) on genetic reversion of inositol-requiring mutant 89601 of Neurospora crassa is described. The mutant (inos minus) strain, on treatment with the wild-type RNA preparation, was found to revert to wild type (inos+) in significant numbers. RNA from the mutant (iso-RNA) and allo-RNA digested by RNase were ineffective in causing genetic reversion at the inositol locus. The allo-RNA-induced revertants were stable and showed a Mendelian transmission of the inos+ character.