Mitotic protoplasts and their infection with tobacco mosaic virus RNA encapsulated in liposomes

M-phase and S-phase protoplasts were prepared from tobacco cells in suspension culture after a high degree of synchronization using aphidicolin, a specific inhibitor for eukaryotic DNA polymerase. When TMV-RNA was introduced into these protoplasts mediated by REV liposomes, 37% of M-phase and 26% of S-phase protoplasts were infected as determined by the fluorescent antibody technique. After the 24 hr interval between the introduction of TMV-RNA into protoplasts and the determination of infection, half of the infected mitotic protoplasts formed dumbell-shaped daughter cells. The significance of synchronized protoplasts in genetic engineering of plant cells is discussed in reference to the delivery of DNA into the nucleus.