Stimulation of RNA transcription from pea and corn DNA by protein retained on sepharose coupled to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

When crude extracts from pea or corn shoots are passed through a column of agarose coupled to a derivative of the synthetic plant hormone 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, certain protein fractions are retained, whereas unmodified agarose adsorbs no protein. Appropriate elution yields a protein factor that stimulates DNA-dependent RNA synthesis (supported by Escherichia coli polymerase) by 40-200%. Preliminary evidence suggests that the factor may be influencing initiation of RNA chains.