ISSN:
1432-2048
Keywords:
Ammonia
;
Nitrogen fixation
;
Nodule
;
Senescence (root nodules)
;
Ureide
;
Vigna
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract During early development (up to 18 d after sowing) of nodules of an “effective” cowpea symbiosis (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp cv. Vita 3: Rhizobium strain CB756), rapidly increasing nitrogenase (EC 1.7.99.2) activity and leghaemoglobin content were accompanied by rapid increases in activities of glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2), glutamate synthase (EC 2.6.1.53), enzymes of denovo purine synthesis (forming inosine monophosphate) xanthine oxidoreductase (EC 1.2.3.2), urate oxidase (EC 1.7.3.3), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) and led to increased export of ureides (allantoin and allantoic acid) to the shoot of the host plant in the xylem. Culturing plants with the nodulated root systems maintained in the absence of N2 (in 80 Ar: 20 O2, v/v) had little effect on the rates of induction and increase in nitrogenase activity and leghaemoglobin content but, in the absence of N2 fixation and consequent ammonia production by bacteroids, there was no stimulation of activity of enzymes of ammonia assimilation or of the synthesis of purines or ureides. Addition of NO 3 - (0.1–0.2 mM) relieved host-plant nitrogen deficiency caused by the Ar: O2 treatment but failed to increase levels of enzymes of N metabolism in either the bacteroid or the plant-cell fractions of the nodule. Premature senescence in Ar: O2-grown nodules occurred at 18–20 d after sowing, and resulted in reduced levels of nitrogenase activity and leghaemoglobin but increased the activity of hydroxybutyrate oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.30).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00396744
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