NaCl Alters Contents of Nucleic Acids, Protein, Polyamines and the Activity of Agmatine Deiminase During Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The decrease in growth of rice caused by NaCl salinity is accompanied by a decrease in the contents of DNA, RNA and protein in the embryo axis. As was in the case of seedling growth the levels of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and the activity of agmatine deiminase (EC 3.5.3.12), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of polyamines, in endosperm and embryo axis also were markedly lowered by salt. These biochemical changes induced by NaCl are discussed with respect to growth and development of rice seedlings.