DNA Content of broad bean (Vicia faba) internodes in connection with tumor induction by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Abstract

A comparison has been made of the changes which occur in the deoxy-ribonucleic acid (DNA) content of V. faba during tumor induction with those which occur in healthy or wounded plants. The results indicate that mechanical wounding and bacterial infection produce an initial increase in DNA content. Such increase arises from the fact that injury to the plant temporarily arrests internode growth but stimulates DNA synthesis. It is concluded that the primary action of the tumor -inducing agent is not to increase DNA synthesis as has been frequently proposed.