RNA synthesis in male pronuclei of the sea urchin.
Transcription in male pronuclei of fertilized sea urchin eggs was measured by comparison of [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA in polyspermic, monospermic and activated eggs under conditions where uptake of the isotope and conversion to UTP were equivalent. RNA accumulation from male pronuclei begins by S phase of the first cell cycle. Initiation of this RNA synthesis does not require DNA synthesis. A major fraction of the newly synthesized transcripts are mRNAs coding for early embryo (alpha-) histones. In addition, several other unidentified transcripts are detected by gel electrophoresis. The pattern of RNA transcription remains constant for at least 4 h post-fertilization. These results demonstrate that specific transcription of male pronuclear sequences is activated in the first cell cycle following fertilization.
Poccia
D
D
Wolff
R
R
Kragh
S
S
Williamson
P
P
D000818:Animals; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012617:Sea Urchins / Q000196:embryology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014529:Uridine / Q000378:metabolism; D014544:Uridine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D015053:Zygote / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D006657:Histones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000001:Calcimycin; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D014544:Uridine Triphosphate; D014529:Uridine