Action of 3′d adenosine (cordycepin) and 3′d cytidine on the translation of the stored mRNA of cotton cotyledons

Cordycepin (3′dAdo), an inhibitor of RNA synthesis and poly(A) addition to pre-mRNA, inhibits protein synthesis and the appearance of enzyme activity thought to come from stored mRNA in germinating cotton cotyledons. 3′dCyd and Actinomycin D, other RNA synthesis inhibitors, have no effect on early germination. The period of sensitivity to 3′dAdo is short, comprising the 6th–30th hour of germination. This is consistent with the idea that the stored mRNA of cotton cotyledons is not processed until germination.