Mechanism of nuclear DNA replication in radicles of germinating cotton.
The mechanism of nuclear DNA replication in radicles of germinating cotton (Gossypium barbadense) was investigated. Pulse-labeling with [(3)H]thymidine indicates that replication intermediates are of small molecular weight (4-10S) and behave as if single-stranded. Prolonged labeling indicates that intermediates are of discrete size, suggesting a mechanism of discontinuous replication. Electron microscopy of nuclear DNA demonstrates a complex architecture which may include "eye forms" and "forks" similar to those reported in prokaryotes and animal systems. The possible universality of DNA replication mechanisms is discussed.
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. 85721.
W F
WF
Clay
P G
PG
Bartels
F R
FR
Katterman