Variation of Histone/DNA Ratio in the Embryonic Areas ofTriticum DurumAged Seeds

Abstract

SUMMARY -The histone/DNA ratio has been estimated independently for each embryonic area in young and old caryopses of Triticum durum. As the ratio is already quite different in the single embryo areas of over dormant young seeds, it can be suggested that nuclear conditions at ripening time influence the response of the cell populations which undergo senescence. Furthermore, when old seeds are considered, it can be clearly observed that the single areas of the embryo exibit specific increases in the histone/DNA ratio. These observations are discussed in terms of a heterogeneity in the ageing process and loss of metabolic activity and regulatory control in the embryos of aged seeds.