In vitro phytochrome dark reversion process

Thermal reversion of the far-red absorbing form of phytochrome to the red absorbing form in darkness has been investigated in crude and partially purified isolates from a number of etiolated and light grown higher plants. The influence of temperature, aging and urea on the rate of reversion was also determined.

Phytochrome isolated from all higher plants underwent reversion. The reversion proceeded in at least 2 distinct stages; a short rapid initial phase being followed a slow phase which continued for many hours. Reversion rate was highest in phytochrome isolated from green leaves of parsnip (Pastinacea sativa) and lowest in that isolated from etiolated oats (Avena sativa). Although the rate of reversion could be changed by modifying the tertiary structure of the protein component, the large differences in rate appeared to be characteristic of the plant source. Observed in vitro rates of reversion are slower than those occurring in vivo. Removal of other buffer solubilized material during purification had little effect on the rate of reversion of phytochrome isolated from etiolated material.

     

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON STEPHANOSPERMUM OVOIDES,A MIDDLE PENNSYLVANIAN SEED

Taylor , Thomas N. (U. Illinois, Urbana.) Additional observations on Stephanospermum ovoides, a Middle Pennsylvanian seed. Amer. Jour. Bot. 49(7): 794–800. Illus. 1962.—Recently additional specimens of Stephanospermum ovoides have been discovered in coal-ball material collected at the New Delta Mine, Absher, Williamson County, Illinois. Stephanospermum ovoides is a radially symmetrical ovoid seed, characterized by a low sclerotestal crown and micropylar beak. The species stands intermediate in relation to other members in the genus in its sclerotestal elaboration, which is assumed to be reflected in the size of the crown and mieropylar beak.