Abstract
The protein content of sterile anthers and vegetative parts of cytoplasmic malesterile wheat plants was estimated by the measurement of the nitrogen in alcohol-precipitable and -soluble fractions. Sterile anthers showed a remarkable decrease of nitrogen in the alcohol-precipitable fraction, as compared with normal fertile anthers. In contrast, a remarkable increase of nitrogen content especially of amide nitrogen occurred in the alcohol-soluble fraction. Similar abnormal conditions were observed in germinating embryos and young seedlings.
It is suggested that abnormal protein metabolism might occur initially at germination and continue during the growth of the plant, with a resulting retardation of growth, reduction of plant height and finally pollen degeneration.
