Onset of the synthesis of RNA and protein in mature aleurone tissue of wild oats (Avena fatua)

Abstract

Evidence is presented from autoradiographic experiments, indicating that the onset of protein synthesis in newly imbibed mature aleurone cells of Avena fatua L. is independent of the synthesis of "new" RNA. It is concluded that all fractions of RNA which are essential for protein synthesis survive for periods of several weeks, and probably for several years in caryopses held in dry storage. The results are consistent with previous reports of long-lived template-active RNA in mature, dry plant embryos.