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Benzyladenine-stimulation of nuclear DNA synthesis and cell division in germinating maize

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

J. Reyes
Affiliation:
Depto de Bioquímica Vegetal, División de Bioquímica y Farmacia, Facultad de Química
L. F. Jiménez-García
Affiliation:
Lab. Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM, MéxicoD.F. 04510
M. A. Gonzalez
Affiliation:
Lab. Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM, MéxicoD.F. 04510
J. M. Vázquez-Ramos*
Affiliation:
Depto de Bioquímica Vegetal, División de Bioquímica y Farmacia, Facultad de Química
*
* Correspondence

Abstract

We have studied by means of cytology and autoradiography the effect of benzyladenine (BA, a synthetic cytokinin) on DNA metabolism during early maize germination.The data indicate that BA stimulates nuclear DNA replication. The doubling of the amount of nuclear DNA in BA-treated axes occurs earlier than in nontreated axes, and there is a three-fold increase in the mitotic index at 24 h of germination. These results provide further corroboration for the suggestion that the stimulation of DNA synthesis observed relates to a nuclear replicative type of synthesis. Possible mechanisms of action of BA are discussed.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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