Evolution of the transcription unit of ribosomal RNA

In eukaryotes the two principal RNA components of the ribosomes are initially synthesized as a large complex precursor molecule, which may be thought of as a transcription unit. The precursor is converted, via intermediates, to the mature forms of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In order to assess the extent of variation in the size of this rRNA transcription unit among different organisms, and to infer its possible mode of evolution, we have determined its molecular weight in several selected species. Pulse-labeled and long-term labeled RNA's were extracted from various types of cells, and analyzed by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. Identification of particular components as rRNA precursors was made according to several stated criteria. Our results, together with an analysis of previously published data, suggest that in plants and lower animals, up to and including reptiles, the unit of transcription of rRNA is a 2.7-2.8 million dalton molecule, which is only about 25 per cent larger than its combined rRNA products. In contrast, birds, marsupials and placental mammals, exhibit a seemingly less economical form of rRNA synthesis. Their transcription units are 4.0-4.2 million daltons, about 80 per cent larger than the rRNA products. In the organisms with the smaller transcription unit the major intermediate precursor of rRNA is 1.5-1.6 million daltons, as compared to 2.0-2.2 million daltons in birds and mammals. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to evolutionary changes in the base composition of the ribosomal RNA genes.