THE INTERACTION OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID, RIBOSOMES AND POLYAMINES IN AZOSPIRILLUM-BRASILENSE

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide used extensivel y in agriculture. We had previously determined that 1 mM 2,4-D could i nhibit cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis of Azospirillum brasilen se. The present work was designed to determine if these alterations ar e a consequence of 2,4-D action on polyamine biosynthesis and if the p rotein synthesis inhibition is a result of ribosomal impairment. In th is paper we demonstrate that 2,4-D alters the metabolism of polyamines and, thus, affects protein synthesis at the ribosomal level.