Cell cycle arrest induced by theophylline in root meristem of Haplopappus gracilis.

Theophylline, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, induced a block of the cell cycle in G1, a temporary arrest in G2 and 70% decrease in the uptake of labelled thymidine in roots of Haplopappus. These effects are compared to those previously found with aminophylline and discussed in view of the possible involvement of cAMP in the regulation of the cell cycle in plants.