Studies on ribosomal RNA of Trypanosoma cruzi

Ribosomal RNA of T. cruzi was studied by velocity sedimentation and radioactive labeling techniques. It was determined that the major T. cruzi ribosomal RNA species sediment at 26S and 21S, respectively. When cosedimented with mammalian rRNA species, the protozoan RNA could readily be distinguished. Precursor RNA of higher molecular weight was determined at approximately 31S, an estimated molecular weight of 2.5 x 10⁶ daltons. These studies suggest that intracellular growth of T. cruzi can be monitored separately from its host cell.