Purification and characterization of the RNA polymerases of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus.

We have identified four forms of sea urchin RNA polymerase (Ia, Ib, II and III). Three of the forms co-elute on DEAE cellulose chromatography but separate on DEAE Sephadex chromatography. The separation of these three enzyme forms by DEAE Sephadex chromatography can be eliminated with non-ionic detergent. We also demonstrate that either form I or form III RNA polymerase loses its resistance to alpha-amanitin after DEAE chromatography. A procedure for the purification of combined form I and III RNA polymerase and the purification of RNA polymerase II is also presented.