Protein synthesis and polyribosome stability upon desiccation of the aquatic moss Hygrohypnum luridum

Desiccation of the aquatic moss Hygrohypnum luridum was achieved quickly by placing pieces of the moss over silica gel, or more slowly in saturated atmospheres of high relative humidity. In each case there was an irreversible loss of polyribosomes on desiccation and the moss was unable to recommence protein synthesis on subsequent rehydration. The contrast between these results and those obtained previously with the terrestrial moss Tortula ruralis is outlined.