Translational Dynamics in the Arabidopsis Seed

Seeds are unique living structures that survive being dried to less than 5% water content and are revitalized during germination. Protein translation is required during the early stages of germination prior the need of transcription. Genome-wide profiling of the total mRNA and polysome associated mRNA pools of Arabidopsis seeds identified extensive translation regulation in seeds, specifically during germination. The mechanism and possible relevance of these novel regulatory patterns in seed physiology will be discussed.