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Occurrence of mRNA for storage protein in dry soybean seeds
Abstract:
Poly(A)-containing RNA has been isolated from the cotyledons of soybean seeds by adsorption on a poly(U)-Sepharose column. Approximately 0.15% of the total soybean RNA applied bound to the column. The bound RNA (poly(A)-containing RNA) was shown to be mRNA by its ability to serve as template in a cell-free system derived from wheat germ. Poly(A)-containing RNA was polydisperse, migrating from approximately 50,000 to 700,000 daltons with a mean of 150,000 daltons in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The size of the poly(A) portion of this RNA was in the range of 55 to 290 nucleotides. The adenylic acid content of the presumed poly(A) fragment was about 95%. The radioactive products of translation directed by the poly(A)-containing RNA in the wheat germ cell-free system were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoprecipitation using antisera against beta-conglycinin and glycinin. The results of this investigation show that mRNAs for the subunit proteins of the major components of a soybean storage protein exist in the poly(A)-containing RNA preparation obtained from the cotyledons of dry soybean seeds.
Insights
Researchers isolated messenger RNA (mRNA) from soybean seeds, identifying the specific mRNA molecules responsible for producing key storage proteins. This discovery advances our understanding of soybean seed development and protein synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Soybean seeds contain abundant storage proteins crucial for germination and development.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information for protein synthesis.
- Polyadenylated RNA (poly(A)-RNA) is a hallmark of eukaryotic mRNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize poly(A)-containing RNA from soybean cotyledons.
- To confirm the isolated poly(A)-RNA functions as mRNA.
- To identify the specific mRNAs encoding soybean storage proteins.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of poly(A)-containing RNA using poly(U)-Sepharose chromatography.
- Translation of isolated RNA in a wheat germ cell-free system.
- Analysis of translated products via SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation.
Main Results:
- Poly(A)-containing RNA constituted 0.15% of total soybean RNA.
- The isolated RNA served as a template for protein synthesis, confirming its mRNA nature.
- The poly(A) tails ranged from 55 to 290 nucleotides.
- Translation products included subunit proteins of beta-conglycinin and glycinin.
Conclusions:
- Soybean cotyledons contain poly(A)-containing mRNA encoding major storage proteins.
- This mRNA is present even in dry soybean seeds.
- The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of soybean seed protein accumulation.
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