Nuclear Deoxyribonucleic Acid Metabolism and Membrane Fatty Acid Content Related to Chilling Resistance in Germinating Cotton (Gossypium barbadense) |
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Authors: | WILLARD F CLAY EDMUND J BARTKOWSKI FRANK R H KATTERMAN |
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Institution: | Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721 |
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Abstract: | Chilling damage was examined in the chilling-sensitive plant Gossypium barbadense. Between 30 and 36 h of germination at 34°C, the seedlings are extremely sensitive to temperatures below 10°C. The initiation of chilling damage by exposure to 2°C for 5 h during the sensitive period resulted in a large reduction in DNA synthesis. The reduction was correlated with a reduced efficiency of nuclear DNA polymerase activity. Comparing a more chilling resistant genotype to a more sensitive variety indicated that the resistant genotype nuclear DNA polymerase activity is more efficient when exposed to a chilling stress. Resistance was also correlated with a higher degree of unsaturated fatty acid content in the nuclear membranes of the resistant variety. |
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