Electric hysteresis and mitochondrial incorporation of RNAs from different sources.

The paper reports the characteristics of four different RNAs from yeast, Torula and calf thymus of molecular weight ranging between 15,000 and 30,000. The gel-filtration behaviour with aqueous and partially qqueous solvents is studied together with the response of the four RNAs to static electric fields of strength ranging between 20 and 35 kV/cm. The relationship between molecular weight and extent of electric hysteresis is linear for all RNAs, while tRNA slightly deviates from such a relationship. The ability of the RNAs to permeate biological mebranes or bind membrane components such as lecithins is studied with rat liver mitochondria and a two-phase system with egg lecithin dissolved in the organic phase and RNA in the aqueous one. There is no apparent relationship between molecular weight of the RNAs and their ability to interact with biological membranes.