Transcription in ultra violet-irradiated plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum.

ABSTRACT

In Physarum polycephalum, transcription is significantly inhibited for the whole of the ultra violet-induced, extended G2 phase. Although, there is some increase in the rate of transcription closer to the first post-irradiation mitosis, thereafter, ovrall synthesis continues to be low. Also, the plasmodia developed significant resistance to actinomycin D during this period. The resistance is both in terms of mitosis and RNA synthesis. The overall depression in transcription and the drug resistance are apparently related phenomena.