RNA Export and Electrokinetic Potential of Nuclei in Germinating Embryos of Cereal Crops

The changes in the contents of major components in the nuclei and nuclear membranes during germination of cereal crop embryos were studied. Treatment with RNase of intact nuclei from both dry and germinating embryos changed the electrokinetic potential (EKP) of the nuclear surface. The interrelations between an increased RNA export from isolated nuclei and increased EKP during germination were shown. The conclusion was drawn that the rate of RNA export from the nuclei affected substantially the EKP value, which opens new possibilities for studying physicochemical properties of the nuclear membrane in relation to the functional state of the genetic apparatus and the physiological state of the plant cell.