Nucleic acids and proteins in plants. I.

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At the time of the previous edition of the Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, about 25 years ago, no complete plant protein amino acid sequences or nucleic acid sequences had been determined. While the structure of DNA was newly reported, details about its action mechanisms were scarce. D. G. CATCHSIDE noted that genes act as units of physiological action by controlling individual enzymes. At that time, cell-free transcription and protein-synthesizing systems were unavailable, and the methods of recombinant DNA technology had yet to be developed. Today, for the first time with plant systems, it is possible to not only describe their molecular biology but also manipulate it, transitioning from mere description to technological application. The properties of living systems are determined by the proteins and nucleic acids they synthesize. Due to their large size, proteins exist as macromolecules in colloidal solutions or in supra-molecular colloidal forms. This colloidal state provides low thermal conductivity, low diffusion coefficients, and high viscosity, which buffer biological systems against environmental changes. These systems exhibit significant stability and possess the ability to reproduce.