In order to identify and to study the ribosomal protein genes in yeast we have tried to purify the mRNA coding for ribosomal proteins. Poly(A)-containing RNA from the yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis was fractionated according to size using preparative sucrose gradient centrifugation. The various (size) fractions were translated in vitro in a wheat germ cell-free system. The products were analysed by sodium dodecylsulfate/polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis as well as by acetic acid/urea gel electrophoresis. It was found that an mRNA fraction of about 9 S directs the synthesis in vitro of proteins that have properties characteristic of ribosomal proteins, i.e. they are both small and basic. The ribosomal nature of these proteins was further established by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This small-size mRNA fraction can be used as a probe for the identification of ribosomal protein genes in recombinant DNA molecules.