Protein Synthesis during Endogenous Rhythmic Leaflet Movement in Albizzia

A rhythm was found in protein synthesis accompanying rhythmic leaflet opening and closing in the dark in the plant Albizzia. More protein was synthesized during the opening of the leaflets than during the closing. Furthermore, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide, prevented rhythmic opening of leaflets but had no effect on rhythmic closing. It is suggested that protein synthesis is involved in the movement across membranes of K(+) ions that cause turgor changes and leaflet movement.