Phytohormone control of translatable RNA populations in sexual organogenesis of the dioecious plant Mercurialis annua L. (2n = 16).

A cell-free translation system was programmed with total, poly(A), non poly(A) and polysomal RNAs from male and female flowers of this plant with separated sexes. The peptide patterns obtained reflected differences in corresponding translatable RNAs. In total RNA products, three peptides were specific for males, two for females. One of the two male-specific polypeptides of high molecular weight was obtained from poly(A) RNAs and a female-specific one from non poly(A) RNAs. Differences between peptides common to both sexes reflected different concentrations of corresponding messengers. Similar results were obtained with polysomal RNAs. The male-specific RNAs were depending on high endogenous auxin concentrations while the female on active cytokinins. Cytokinin feminization of males induced the female-specific RNAs showing cytokinin action at pretranslational stages. Phytohormone roles are discussed.