EVIDENCE FROM INCREASE IN RIBONUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN AUTUMN FOR INCREASE IN PROTOPLASM DURING THE FROST-HARDENING OF BLACK LOCUST BARK CELLS

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Abstract
The changes occurring in the ribonucleic acid and desoxyribonucleic acid of the living bark cells of the black locust tree in autumn have been followed in relation to the increases which take place at the same time in the water-soluble proteins, rate of incorporation of glycine into protein, and frost resistance.An increase in the ribonucleic acid without a change in the desoxyribonucleic acid has been shown to occur and to precede the period of maximal increase in rate of incorporation of glycine into protein, net synthesis of protein, and increase in freezing resistance.Because the increase in proteins is closely associated with the development of resistance to freezing injury in the bark, it is suggested that this transformation of the protein synthetic capacities of the bark, and the augmentation of protoplasmic substance which results from it, is part of the seasonal processes of adaptation of the tree to freezing. It is suggested that, in this process of adaptation, the function of the augmentation of the protoplasm is to so change the physical properties of the cell protoplasm as to enable it to withstand the effects of freezing.