Changes in Levels and Integrity of Ribosomal RNA During Seed Maturation and Germination in Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Thompson, S., Bryant, J. A. and Brocklehurst, P. A. 1987. Changesin levels and integrity of ribosomal RNA during seed maturationand germination in carrot (Daucus carota L.).—J. exp.Bot. 38: 1343–1350. Amounts and integrity (percentage of complete un-nicked molecules)of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) during germination in carrot seed lotsof differing vigour and viability were examined using aqueousand formamide gel electrophoresis. In unaged seed, amounts ofrRNA per seed in dry seed are not related to maturity, vigouror viability. However, rRNA in immature seed is more vulnerableto damage by ageing than rRNA in mature seed; thus, amountsof rRNA per seed in aged seed are indicators of vigour and viability.On imbibition of aged or unaged seed, more rRNA fragmentationoccurs in immature seed than in mature seed, and the time atwhich the effects of synthesis outweigh the effects of degradationis earlier during germination in mature than in immature seed. Key words: rRNA, seed maturation, seed germination, Daucus carota L.