Ribonucleic acid polymerase activities in Jerusalem artichoke tissue

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• RNA polymerase enzymes are crucial for gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
• Understanding the distribution and properties of RNA polymerases in plant tissues is essential for comprehending growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics of RNA polymerase activity in artichoke tuber tissue.
• To differentiate between chromatin-bound and soluble RNA polymerase fractions.
• To explore the relationship between RNA polymerase activity and tissue growth.

Main Methods:

• Fractionation of RNA polymerase activity using DEAE-cellulose chromatography.
• Analysis of chromatin-bound and soluble enzyme activities.
• Correlation analysis between enzyme activity and RNA accumulation during tissue growth.

Main Results:

• Artichoke tuber tissue exhibits both chromatin-bound and soluble RNA polymerase activities.
• Soluble RNA polymerase was separated into polymerases I and II, with their properties determined.
• The ratio of chromatin-bound to soluble activity changed during tissue growth.
• A positive correlation was observed between chromatin-bound RNA polymerase activity and RNA accumulation.

Conclusions:

• The study characterizes distinct RNA polymerase fractions in artichoke tubers.
• Chromatin-bound RNA polymerase activity is linked to RNA synthesis and accumulation during plant tissue growth.