Identification of a new ribosomal RNA in Drosophila melanogaster

This study reports the cloning, characterization and identification of a previously undetected ribosomal RNA in Drosophila melanogaster. The ribosomal RNA is 370 nucleotides in length and contains the 5.8S and 2S ribosomal RNA coding regions. Analysis of polysome-containing cell extracts indicates that the RNA is present on polysomes suggesting a functional role within the ribosome. Northern blot analysis indicates that the RNA is also present in adult Drosophila melanogaster flies.