The effect of colchicine on nucleic acid and protein synthesis

Abstract

Colchicine can induce tumour in Allium root tips by interfering with the spindle formation within the cell and thereby resulting in abnormality. The experiments with the colchicine treated tissue show some differences in nucleic acids and protein syntheses. At least 2-3 fold increase in the synthesis of RNA, DNA and protein has been observed in the case of colchicine treated tissue. But just the reverse is the case with ATP. The increased ¹⁴C incorporation in DNA and RNA in the treated ones may be correlated with the decrease in the level of ATP. It seems that the effect of colchicine is not on the production of ATP but on its utilization. The primary effect of colchicine on spindle can be manifested by two ways, (1) by interfering with the primary structure or (2) secondary and tertiary structure of the spindle protein. Experimental data support the latter contention and this may perhaps be mediated through S-S, and SH formation in the spindle protein.