Changes in Polysomes and RNA in Developing Seeds of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

In the present investigation changes in polyribosomes and RNAs in the developing seeds of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) have been studied. The total polysome yield was higher in the early stages of development and declined at the later stages. The maximum level of polyribosomes was obtained at 18 days after flowering and a drastic decrease was noticed at maturity. The total RNA yield correlated with the polysomal yield. Northern hybridization with a heter-ologous probe (pea legumin cDNA) gave distinct hybridization with the mRNA coding for legumin proteins at different stages of seed development. Hybridization showed a direct relation between mRNA levels and seed Weight accumulation.