Membranes dominate the structures in corn cells, being major components of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and plastids such as chloroplasts. The nucleus of the cell also includes a double layer of membrane, composed of lipids and proteins. It functions as a gateway for movement of complex molecules and minerals in and out of the nucleus. As a segment of the chromosome DNA for a gene is activated to produce a RNA code for a protein, the RNA moves to a ribosome to hook the amino acids together forming a protein. Although some of the ribosome action occurs within the nucleus, much happens after the RNA moves through the nuclear membranes into other ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Auxins and other plant hormones interact on the activation of the DNA, requiring regulation through the nuclear membranes.
Membranes for each organelle of the cell require very specific proteins, each dictated by the DNA code. Many of those proteins are coded from the nuclear chromosomes but are also affected by the single chromosomes in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Amino acids with differing nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen ions arranged around carbon chains determine the composition of proteins and the phosphor-lipids that compose membranes are critical to all cellular function. Eventual germination of the seed is dependent on formation during seed development and maintenance of membranes during seed storage. Comments are closed.
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About Corn JournalThe purpose of this blog is to share perspectives of the biology of corn, its seed and diseases in a mix of technical and not so technical terms with all who are interested in this major crop. With more technical references to any of the topics easily available on the web with a search of key words, the blog will rarely cite references but will attempt to be accurate. Comments are welcome but will be screened before publishing. Comments and questions directed to the author by emails are encouraged.
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