The relationship between protein synthesis and ribosomal DNA amplification in Xenopus laevis

Abstract

The dependence of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene amplification upon protein synthesis in young Xenopus oocytes was investigated using cycloheximide as a specific protein synthesis inhibitor. The results show that there is a dependence of rDNA amplification upon concurrent protein synthesis. The speed at which inhibition of rDNA replication occurs and results obtained under conditions of partial protein synthesis inhibition suggest that the rate at which rDNA is amplified might normally be limited by the rate of protein synthesis in the oocyte. Preparation of an ovarian cell suspension which both enriches amplifying cells at the expense of follicle and connective cells and allows accurate comparison of differently treated samples is described.