The effect of desiccation and rehydration on the integrityof small subunit ribosomal RNAs in desiccation tolerantand intolerant plants

The integrity of small subunit rRNAs during a desiccation/rehydration event in desiccation tolerant and intolerant plants was determined. Ribosomal RNAs were stable in the fully tolerant Tortula ruralis, underwent ordered breakdown in the modified desiccation tolerant Sporobolus stapfianus, and were completely degraded in the desiccation sensitive S. pyramidalis.