Fractionation of proteins of pea stem sections during root formation and its inhibition by kinetin and ethionine

Changes in the protein constituents in pea stem sections during root formation and its inhibition by kinetin and ethionine were studied. Only quantitative differences in the protein fractions separated on DEAE-cellulose column were noted. The formation of foci of meristematic cells in pericycle was accompanied by an increase in the amount of fraction “l”. This fraction disappeared rapidly in sections where root formation either did not occur (internodial sections without nodes) or was inhibited by ethionine (stem sections with basal and apical nodes). Incubation of stem sections in a kinetin solution for 16 hours after cutting of stems partially preserved fraction “l”. The increase in the amount of fraction “l” was one of the first metabolic changes in root-forming pea stem sections after cutting of stems.