Studies on the involvement of RNA synthesis and polyribosome formation in phytochrome mediated nitrate reductase induction in excised maize leaves

Abstract

The phytochrome mediated enhancement of nitrate reductase activity in excised maize leaves was repressed by inhibitors of RNA synthesis. Brief red light treatment and continuous far-red light illumination increased the amount of total RNA. Continuous far red light maintained a higher level of polyribosomes than dark control. This was a red/far-red photo-reversible effect. Inhibitors of RNA synthesis decreased the polyribosome level by 30%.