Nucleic Acid Metabolism in Peanut Cotyledons

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Abstract
Nucleic-acid metabolism of peanut cotyledons during germination and seedling growth was examined by separating phenol extracted RNA on MAK columns. Using this method the nucleic-acid extract was separated into the following 6 fractions: 2 soluble RNAs; a DNA fraction which contained RNA, rapidly labeled DNA, and DNA; 2 ribosomal RNAs (heavy ribosomal and light ribosomal); and supposedly messenger RNA. The pattern of separation was very similar to that of bacterial RNA. Even though the RNA content per cotyledon doubled and then rapidly declined during the first 12 days after planting the relative amounts of the different RNA components remained constant. After 12 days there was reduction in heavy ribosomal and messenger RNAs and an increase in soluble RNA. These changes in RNA appeared to be related to the final stages of senescence. The greatly enhanced incorporation of P32 into RNA after 12 days was a result of a reduction in total P content which caused a smaller dilution of the p32 accumulated by the tissue.

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