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Ribosomal RNA integrity and rate of seed germination

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Abstract

The integrity of ribosomal RNA (the percentage of complete, un-nicked molecules) in seeds was studied by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Two batches of carrot seed, harvested at different stages of maturity, and four batches ofNicotiana seed stored for various times were used. Within each species, there was a correlation between the integrity of the rRNA of the dry seed and the rate of germination of that seed. In carrot seed, there was extensive degradation of existing rRNA in both the embryo and endosperm during the first two days of imbibition.

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Abbreviations

rRNA:

ribosomal RNA

tRNA:

transfer RNA

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Vegetable Research Station, CV35 9EF, Wellesbourne, Warwick, U.K.

    P. A. Brocklehurst & R. S. S. Fraser

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  1. P. A. Brocklehurst
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  2. R. S. S. Fraser
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Brocklehurst, P.A., Fraser, R.S.S. Ribosomal RNA integrity and rate of seed germination. Planta 148, 417–421 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02395308

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02395308

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