Recovery of protein synthesis and RNA synthesis after rewetting of desiccated leaves of the angiosperm Xerophyta villosa

Abstract

Summary When desiccated leaves of the desiccation tolerant angiosperm X. villosa are rehydrated, [ 14 C]-uridine incorporation increases steadily during the first 8 h. Incorporation of [ 14 C]-amino acids into protein is detectable at 2h rewetting, and increases rapidly at 6–8 h. Protein synthesis during the first 4 h of rehydration is dependent mainly on new RNA synthesis including mRNA, since RNA synthesis inhibitor 3′ deoxyadenosine strongly inhibits both the incorporation of [ 3 H]-uridine into poly(A)-RNA including total RNA and also the incorporation of [ 14 C]-amino acids into protein.