The effects of liquid nitrogen temperatures on protein and RNA synthesis in the moss Tortula ruralis

Abstract

Polyribosomes were conserved in Tortula ruralis when the moss was immersed in liquid nitrogen following desiccation. On subsequent rehydration at room temperatures, an increase in polyribosomes, protein synthesis and RNA synthesis was observed. Immersing undesiccated moss in liquid nitrogen resulted in a general loss of synthetic ability on subsequent return to room temperatures.