Ribosomal genes not integrated into chromosomal DNA in Drosophila melanogaster.

DNA obtained by a gentle lysis procedure from adult Drosophila melanogaster was analyzed by sucrose gradient sedimentation. The major portion of the DNA has an estimated weight of at least 5--10 X 10(9) daltons. All of the ribosomal genes are present in this high molecular weight DNA in adult males with one nucleolus organizer or in adult females with two nucleolus organizers as shown by hybridizing fractions of the gradient with ribosomal RNA. In female adults with one nucleolus organizer instead of the usual two, 68% of the ribosomal genes are found in high molecular weight DNA and 32% are found in DNA of smaller size (approximately 3 X 10(8) daltons). We propose that these latter genes are not integrated into the DNA of the chromosome.