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Effect of Caffeine and Other Purines upon the Ribonucleic Acid/Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ratio in Leaves, and the Suitability of these Leaves for Aphids

Nature volume 181, pages 1595–1596 (1958)Cite this article

Abstract

THE proportion of cytoplasm to nucleus is reported to increase with age1; in our preliminary work a corresponding increase was found in the ribonucleic acid/deoxyribonucleic acid ratio. Since aphids usually prefer young leaves2, it was thought of interest to investigate the relation between changes in this ratio with ageing of the leaves, and their suitability as food for aphids. For this purpose the synthesis of nucleic acids in leaves was experimentally induced or inhibited by various agents3,4. Aphid populations were counted at various intervals after treatment and leaves were analysed for ribo- and deoxyribo-nucleic acids.

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References

  1. Guilliermond, A., and Mangenot, G., “Biologic Vegetale”, 1110 (Masson et Cie, Paris, 1946).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Divisions of Horticulture and Entomology, Agricultural Research Station, Rehovot, Israel

    B. KESSLER & E. SWIRSKI

  2. Division of Toxicology, Israeli Institute for Biological Research, Ness–Ziona

    A. S. TAHORI

Authors
  1. B. KESSLER
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  2. E. SWIRSKI
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  3. A. S. TAHORI
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KESSLER, B., SWIRSKI, E. & TAHORI, A. Effect of Caffeine and Other Purines upon the Ribonucleic Acid/Deoxyribonucleic Acid Ratio in Leaves, and the Suitability of these Leaves for Aphids. Nature 181, 1595–1596 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/1811595a0

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