Free and membrane-bound ribosomes of the cotyledons of Vicia faba (L.)

Abstract

During the first few days of germination, the RNA content of the cotyledons remained approximately constant, but the quantity of membrane-bound ribosomes increased. Experiments with orthophosphate-³²P indicated that these ribosomes were synthesised de novo, and did not originate by the attachment to membranes of pre-existing free ribosomes. This conclusion was discussed in relation to the suggestion that free and membrane-bound ribosomes synthesise different groups of proteins.