ABSTRACT
The pattern of RNA synthesis during the first 48 h of distal regeneration in Hydra oligactis has been investigated. In addition the RNA synthetic profiles during selected time periods have been studied.
RNA synthesis was found to increase five-fold during the first 3 h of regeneration and remained high throughout the rest of the 48 h period. An additional increase was observed 27-30 h following subhypostomal excision, immediately preceding the appearance of the first tentacle pair. The RNA synthetic level then returned to that found at 3 h of regeneration. This pattern was similar to that reported previously for DNA synthesis.
Profiles of radioactively labeled RNA remained constant during most of the times studied, showing the presence of newly synthesized 28S, 18S, 5S, and4S RNA. During two time periods, 28-32 h and 36-40 h, a novel 8S RNA species was observed. The occurrence of this species coincided with times of increased overall RNA synthesis and immediately preceded tentacle elaboration.
