Histone synthesis during meiotic prophase in Lilium

Anthers of Lilium candidum L. were cultivated on artificial media containing labelled amino acids. Histones were isolated from meiocytes and fractionated by the use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Total histone synthesis was found not to terminate at the end of premeiotic interphase but to continue until at least zygotene. However, the rate of synthesis was reduced during prophase I compared to interphase. Separate fractions were synthesized asynchronously during the period from late interphase to zygotene. Tissue specific histone of meiosis (FM) was synthesized during late interphase and leptotene.Dedicated to Professor A. A. Prokofieva-Belgovskaia on the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of her birthday.