Physiological mechanisms of frost tolerance: Possible role of protein in plant adaptation to cold

Abstract

Studies performed on winter rape plants(Brassica nnpus var.oleifera, cv. ‘Gor-czanski’) revealed that cold treatment affected the cell membranes and led to the temporary increase in electrolytic leakage from a tissue. This was followed by the marked decrease of the electrolytic leakage in the course of hardening. Changes in membrane properties were accompanied by the promotion of soluble protein accumulation. Inhibition of protein accumulation by the cycloheximide treatment brought about wilting of plants under cold conditions. Possible role of soluble protein in protection of cells against secondary water stress caused by the coldinduced changes in membrane properties is suggested. Cold-induced changes in the electrophoretic pattern of soluble protein are described and discussed.