ISSN:
1399-3054
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Symbiotic plants of Pisum sativum L. cv. Juneau and its nitrate reductase-(EC 1. 6. 6. 1)-deficient mutant, A317, were exposed to nitrate for up to 8 days and assessed for nitrate assimilation, nitrogenase activity and nodule carbohydrate status. The mutant, A317, was not impaired in its ability to absorb nitrate over up to 8 days, but was leakier with respect to nitrate reduction ability than previously realized, as 63% of the nitrate absorbed by the plant over 8 days was assimilated (in contrast to 93% in the wild type). After 2 days exposure to 5 mM nitrate, nitrogenase (EC 1.18.2.1) activity was less affected in A317 (84% of initial) than in Juneau (46% of initial): nodule starch reserves were less depleted in A317 (70% of initial) than in Juneau (26% of initial). It was concluded that nitrate reduction is a major cause of nitrate inhibition of nodule activity, and that its effect may be mediated through a decrease in the availability of carbohydrate to the nodules. Longer term (〉 4 day) exposure of A317 plants to nitrate resulted in accumulation of nitrate in plant tissues, an associated necrosis of shoot tissue, a marked decrease in nodule starch content and a severe inhibition of nodule activity. This consideration of the effect of the duration of exposure to nitrate is used to resolve a discrepancy between previous reports on the sensitivity to nitrate of nitrogenase activity in nitrate reductase-deficient mutants of pea.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.1992.tb04666.x
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