Inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis by chloral in potato slices.

Abstract

The effect of chloral on the time-related respiratory rise in potato slices, on the incorporation of uracil-2-C14 into RNA, and on the incorporation of leucine-1-C14 into protein was compared with the effects of actinomycin D and puromycin, respectively. The action of chloral resembled actinomycin D where RNA synthesis is concerned, and puromycin where protein synthesis is involved. Chloral appeared to have an independent effect on each of these processes. The suggestion is offered that ribosome formation may be among the early events constituting the metabolic changes which follow slicing.