Estimation of Messenger RNA in Fern Gametophytes

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Spores of Equisetum arvense and Osmunda japonica, and protonemata of Pteris vittata were cultured with actinomycin D and with chloramphenicol. As a result, the following was revealed.<br>1) Equisetum and Osmunda spores can germinate normally in presence of these drugs at concentrations lower than 100μg/ml. Two-dimensional growth is arrested at or higher than 50μg/ml of actinomycin D and 10μg/ml of chloramphenicol, while one-dimensional growth is inhibited at higher concentrations.<br>2) In Pteris protonema, as well as in Equisetum and Osmunda, actual arrest of the growth by actinomycin D occurs after the plant continued development of a certain stage for several days. This implies that messenger RNA is taking part in protein synthesis for several days. This is supported by the fact that the cease of growth comes earlier if the plant is cultured with chloramphenicol.<br>(3) Localization at high concentration of RNA seems to be a key factor for two-dimensional growth. Such RNA is high-polymer other than soluble RNA, as verified by acquisition of fluoresence combined with berberine sulfate. It is retained for several days even if the growth was arrested by actinomycin D. Therefore, most of such RNA may consist of ribosome RNA. As such RNA cannot take part in two-dimensional growth by itself when applied with actinomycin D, the role of messenger RNA seems to be indispensable for the growth.

Journal

  • CYTOLOGIA

    CYTOLOGIA 32 (2), 216-223, 1967

    Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology

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