Ribonuclease in styles.

1. Ribonuclease (RNase) activity in styles with conducting tissue is about 20 times higher than that of open styles with a stylar canal. 2. RNase activity is localized in or between the cells of the conducting tissue. 3. Activity is not influenced by pollination. 4. Stylar RNase has a temperature optimum at 45°C and a pH optimum at pH 6.5. 5. Purification of RNase from Petunia styles showed the presence of 2-3 active fractions. 6. DEP, 10 μg/ml is an efficient RNase inhibitor and its use helps in the isolation of polysomes from stylar tissue.