[Protein and RNA synthesis during the transition of potato tuber meristematic tissue from rest to growth]

The rate of RNA and protein synthesis in resting and growing meristem tissues from isolated tuber growth points under their incubation with labelled precursors is studied. It is found that the label incorporation into RNA is low during deep resting, protein synthesis being rather intensive. Both RNA and protein synthesis is intensified with the beginning of growth period. More homogenous in their metabolic rate set of RNAs is found in resting tissues in contrast with growing ones. The data on fractionation of total RNA preparation on MAK column and in sucrose density gradient showed that synthesis of high molecular weight RNA with metabolic period of 4 hours is stimulated in growing meristems. It is possible that synthesis of certain fractions of RNA and protein is one of regulation mechanisms for resting in meristem tissues.