DNA lesions occur with loss of viability in embryos of ageing rye seed.
In dry seeds, fragmentation of nuclear DNA and activation of DNases occur in vivo during embryo senescence. This loss of DNA integrity could be the source of chromosomal aberrations and impaired transcription observed when seeds of low viability germinate.
Cheah
K S
KS
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
Osborne
D J
DJ
D002470:Cell Survival; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics*; D012434:Secale / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics*
D018744:DNA, Plant