Analysis of nucleolar pre-rRNA processing sites in pea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis>)

The location of rRNA processing was analyzed by usingin situ hybridization with ITS1 probe and immunolabeling of anti-fibrillarin mAb in pea (Pisum sativum) root pole cells. The results showed that rRNA processing sites were in dense fibrillar components (DFCs) and granular components (GCs), but not in fibrillar centers (FCs). Low doses of actinomycin D (AMD) treatment can selectively suppress pre-rRNA synthesis but cannot disturb the processing of preformed pre-rRNAs. With AMD treatment prolonged, the density of labeled signals gradually decreased, indicating the preformed pre-rRNAs were gradually processed.