Synthesis of nucleic acids and protein in tuber buds of Solanum tuberosum during dormancy and early sprouting

Autoradiographic studies have demonstrated the continuous synthesis of protein, RNA and DNA in potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. King Edward) tuber buds from the time of tuber harvest throughout dormancy. Breaking of dormancy is associated with a rise in all activities. A first rise occurs just prior to (or coincident with) a general increase in cell volume. A second rise accompanies the elongation and outgrowth of the bud. The continuous metabolic activity during dormancy in the absence of cell growth is discussed.