Changes in nuclear, nucleolar and cytoplasmic RNA content during growth and differentiation of root parenchyma cells in plant species with different dynamics of DNA endoreplication.

Using cytophotometric method, after staining preparations with gallocyanin RNA content was examined in nucleus, nucleolus and cytoplasm of six species of angiospermal plants in successive (1-7 mm) segments of root representing successive zones of differentiation. During the cell cycle, RNA content duplicates in the nucleus, nucleolus and cytoplasm of meristematic cells. On the other hand, during growth and differentiation of parenchyma cells in species with endoreplication the content of nucleolar RNA does not increase in proportion with DNA content. High level of endoreplication is connected with high nucleolar RNA content and low cytoplasmic RNA content. In species without endoreplication at low nucleolar RNA content, a considerable growth of cytoplasmic RNA content takes place.