mRNAs encoding ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase remain bound to polysomes but are not translated in amaranth seedlings transferred to darkness

Abstract

When light-grown seedlings of amaranth are transferred to total darkness, synthesis of the large subunit (LS) and small subunit (SS) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase [RbuP(2)Case; 3-phospho-D-glycerate carboxylase (dimerizing), EC 4.1.1.39] is rapidly depressed. This reduction in RbuP(2)Case synthesis occurs in the absence of any corresponding changes in levels of functional mRNA for either subunit. Four hours after light-to-dark transition little, if any, changes in the distribution of LS and SS mRNAs on polysomes could be detected. The association of these mRNAs with polysomes was authenticated by treatment with RNase A or puromycin. Furthermore, polysomes were able to synthesize LS and SS precursor in cell-free translation systems supplemented with inhibitors of initiation. Therefore, during a light-to-dark transition LS and SS mRNAs remained bound to polysomes but were not translated in vivo, suggesting that control is exercised, in part, at the translational elongation step.