Influence of leaf age, light, dark, and iron deficiency on polyribosome levels in maize leaves

The relations between leaf age and polyribosome levels were studied with dark-and light-grown maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. In general, polyribosome levels decline with the period of growth in darkness. Light induces an increase in the polyribosome level in dark-grown seedlings. The response can be detected after 30 min exposure to light. Seven or eight-day-old dark-grown corn seedlings, used in the present study, have high levels of polyribosomes when greened in the light. This is indicative of healthy seedlings, competent in protein synthesis. The polyribosome levels in iron deficient maize plants were significantly different from plants grown under complete nutrient solution, while there is no significant difference among plants suffering different degrees of iron deficiency.