The Effect of Inhibitors on the Increase in Invertase Activity and RNA Content of Beet Disks During Ageing

Abstract

The effect of several inhibitors on the development of invertase activity and the increase in RNA content of red beet disks aged under aseptic conditions has been studied. Purine and pyrimidine bases (I.o mM) do not affect, but the corresponding analogues may inhibit or stimulate, the development of the enzyme. The increase in activity is not inhibited by I.o mM proline and phenylalanine, but is strongly inhibited by similar concentrations of hydroxyproline and p-fluorophenylalanine. Development is also inhibited by high concentrations of actinomycin D. Substances which inhibit development also inhibit increase in the RNA content. These results are discussed and a possible mechanism is suggested.