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Uptake and Effects of N⁶-Benzyladenine in Excised Watermelon Cotyledons

Influence of Cotyledon Age

Centro di Studio del CNR per la Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare delle Piante, Istituto di Scienze Botaniche, Università di Milano, via G. Colombo, 60, 20133 Milano, Italy

Some characteristics of uptake of [8-¹⁴C]N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) by watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad., cv. Fairfax) cotyledons that were either excised immediately after 24 hours inhibition (day 0) or cultured in the dark for 48 hours on moist filter paper (day 2) have been compared.

The uptake of BA seems to be passive in cotyledons of both kinds. The initial rate of uptake is, however, much slower in day 2 cotyledons. This is probably due to a higher resistance of cell membranes to BA influx. When the day 2 cotyledons are frozen and thawed, so that the membrane barrier is abolished, the amount of BA taken up is the same as in day 0 cotyledons.

In spite of the lower rate of uptake, the physiological effects of BA in day 2 cotyledons are as strong as in day 0 cotyledons and occur with a shorter lag time. Sensitivity to BA seems indeed to start 24 to 48 hours after excision.