RNA Polymerase II Activity in Developing and Germinating Cowpea Seeds

RNA polymerase II was partially purified from germinating cowpeaseeds and characterized. RNA polymerase II activity per seedwas low soon after flowering but increased thereafter, reachinga maximum after about two weeks. Upon desiccation, the activitydecreased and was very low in quiescent seeds. After germination,the activity increased rapidly. (Received July 23, 1990; Accepted November 30, 1990)