Non-coordinate regulation of RNA synthesis in Escherichia coli exposed to 0 degrees C.

A non-coordinate mode of regulation of RNA synthesis is observed in Escherichia coli cells during exposure to 0 degrees C. The stable RNA synthesis is preferentially inhibited with simultaneous accumulation of messenger RNA. The species of RNA synthesized at 0 degrees C was determined by several criteria such as sedimentation value in sucrose gradients, DNA-RNA hybridization, half life measurements, protein synthesizing capacity and its functional rate of decay. The mode of regulation of RNA synthesis at 0 degrees C is unique and is distinct from the non-coordinate regulation observed during amino acid starvation under stringent control.