Studies on the Biochemical Basis of Physiological Processes in the Potato Tuber: CHANGES IN NUCLEIC ACIDS AND PROTEINS IN THE SPROUTING TUBER

Abstract

Five major types of nucleic acids (s-RNA, low molecular weight ribosomal RNA, DNA, light and heavy r-RNA) were found in extracts of potato tubers by resolution on M.A.K. columns. During sprouting all of these were depleted progressively from the tuber, but their relative proportions were maintained. Fifteen protein fractions were resolved from extracts by electrophoresis onpolyacrylamide gel; this qualitative picture did not change during sprouting but each of these fractions was also progressively depleted with time. Possible synthesis of enzyme systems promoting these changes and the changes in carbohydrate reserves were therefore masked.