Arabidopsis MCM2 is responsible for reduction in cell division induced by loss of function of the alpha subunit of GTP-binding protein

Previous studies have reported reduction in cell division in seedlings of plants harbouring mutations in the alpha subunit of GTP-binding protein (gpa1). Notably, gpa1 mutants display reduced numbers of hypocotyl cells. Here we show that relative transcript level of the Arabidopsis minichromosome maintenance gene 2 (AtMCM2) is lower in gpa1 mutants than in wild-type Arabidopsis. Furthermore, expression of the AtMCM2 gene under the AtRb promoter restored hypocotyl cell number in gpa1 mutants. These results indicate that reduction in AtMCM2 gene is responsible for the reduction in hypocotyl cell division induced by loss of function of the alpha subunit of GTP-binding protein.