Study of the translocation of the methyl group in Triticum aestivum (Graminae)

Previous investigations of two direct methyltransferase systems in winter wheat have shown these systems to be operating at different times during the germination period and have suggested interconversions between these systems. S-Methyl-L-methionine, a methyl donor involved in these systems, could be transferring methyl groups to nucleic acid bases, histones, or pectic substances.In this study the translocation of labeled methyl groups from S-methyl-L-methionine-i4CH3 into nucleic acids, histones, or pectic substances was examined. Absorption of S-methyl-L-methionine-14CH3 was established and uptake of the labeled methyl group was indicated in the seed parts for 1, 2, and 3 days germination, and in the root and shoot for 3 days germination. Autoradiographic analysis of labeled tissue suggests translocation of the methyl group to meristematic regions and to the walls of the elongating cells in the region of cell elongation in root tissue.Thesis (M.S.