Observation and isolation of the amyloplasts ribosomes in cotyledon cells of lotus

Ribosome-like particles have been found in the proplastids in young cotyledon cells of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn L.) Following the development of young embryo, some lamellar structures and tubular complex occurred in the plastids in young cotyledon cells, and some ribosomlike particles appeared in the loose region of these membrane system and stroma. About 15–20 d after fertilization, with the further development of plastid, a large number of starch and DNA were synthesized in the plastids, and the plastids contained abundant and clear morphologically ribosomes, some of which presented spiral structure. About 16–18 d after fertilization, amyloplasts were isolated and purified from cotyledon of lotus, and ribosomes bands were obtained by use of sucrose density gradient centrifugation of ribosomes isolated from amyloplasts. RNA and protein contents of ribosomes have also been determined.