RESTRICTION-FRAGMENT-LENGTH-POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS OF DNA FROM SENESCING COTYLEDON TISSUE

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Straight Eight) cotyledon DNA during 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) induced senescence was used a means of evaluating the structural integrity of DNA during senescence. Ethephon treatment resulted in almost a complete loss of chlorophyll over a 7-day period. The yield and structural integrity of DNA from these cotyledons did not appear to change during this period. These observations are consistent with the idea that DNA remains intact during senescence. © 1990.