Effect of Fluoride on Nucleotides and Ribonucleic Acid in Germinating Corn Seedling Roots

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Abstract
Investigation was made for the effect of fluoride on plant growth, acid soluble nucleotides, and RNA in germinating corn seedling roots. Fluoride suppressed root growth as measured by changes in fresh weight. Column chromatographic analyses demonstrated that fluoride modified ratios of acid soluble nucleotide species. The relative amount of nucleotides was altered mainly because of triphosphate nucleotides of which ATP was accumulated to the greatest degree. Paper chromatographic analyses showed that fluoride induced changes of RNA structure. The RNA was characterized by lowered relative content of cytosine and by an increased ratio of cytosine to guanine. Adenine was depressed significantly only in the root tissue treated by the highest fluoride concentration.