[Studies of nucleic acids and protein metabolism during initiation of adventitious roots]

Changes in the metabolism of nucleic acids and proteins were followed during the initiation of adventitious roots of Cicer arietinum. During the first 24 h, several phases of activation of the metabolism were found. The use of inhibitors of RNA synthesis showed that an early phase of incorporation of precursors into RNA is essential for the initiation phenomena. This phase is more sensitive to inhibitors and activators (hormones) than all other phases. The rapid turn-over of RNA synthesized during the first 6 h and the inefficience of inhibitors after this time suggested that a stable (non-RNA) factor maintains the activation. This factor must be synthesized soon after the stimulus of cutting.