A comparison between heterogeneous nuclear RNA and polysomal messenger RNA in HeLa cells by RNA-DNA hybridization

Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) and mRNA from cytoplasmic polyribosomes of HeLa cells have been compared by RNA-DNA hybridization tests. 1 microg of HeLa cell DNA binds 0.05-0.10 microg of either HnRNA or mRNA. In addition, HeLa DNA that is preexposed to unlabeled HnRNA was found to have a reduced capacity to bind either HnRNA or mRNA. The results are compatible with considerable sequence similarity in the two types of RNA but, as is discussed, firm conclusions are precluded by imperfections of the hybridization reaction as presently employed.