Blocking of anaerobic protein synthesis destabilizes dramatically plant mitochondrial membrane ultrastructure.

To elucidate the role of "anaerobic proteins" synthesized in plant cell under anoxia, the synthesis of these proteins was inhibited in rice (Oryza sativa L.) coleoptiles and leaves by cycloheximide in the course of their anaerobic incubation. Electron microscopic investigations demonstrated that the blockade of protein synthesis destabilized dramatically mitochondrial membrane fine structure. Data obtained testify to significant role of anoxic stress proteins in the plant cell adaptation and survival under anaerobic condition.