Plant Physiology

Bhullar, Balwant S.; Daly, J. M.; Rehfeld, Dwayne W.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.1pmid: 16659235

Abstract The host-specific toxin produced by Helminthosporium maydis, race T, causes 50% inhibition of dark fixation of 14CO2 by leaf discs of susceptible (Texas male sterile) corn when it is diluted to approximately 1/10,000 of the volume of the original fungus culture filtrate. Dilutions of 1/10 or less are required for equivalent inhibition of discs prepared from resistant (N) corn. Root growth and photosynthesis were considerably less sensitive (dilution values 1/3000 and 1/1200, respectively), as was leakage of 14C induced by toxin from preloaded discs. Based on literature values for dilutions causing ion leakage or inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation, toxin dilutions several orders of magnitude greater bring about inhibition of dark CO2 fixation. Preincubation of discs in light increased sensitivity of dark fixation to toxin and an effect of light on symptom development was shown. Phosphoenolypruvate carboxylase activity in extracts of roots or leaves was not affected by toxin nor was the enzyme level altered in excised leaves treated with toxin. Inhibition of dark fixation of CO2 provides a bioassaay for race T toxin which is both reliable and rapid. 1 Published with the approval of the Director, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, as Paper No. 3923, journal series. Supported by Grant 216-15-22 Cooperative State Research Services, United States Department of Agriculture. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Weimberg, Ralph

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.8pmid: 16659262

Abstract The rate of chlorophyll formation in initially etiolated pea seedlings (Pisum sativum) that are growing in the light in salinized media is slower than in similar plants not subjected to salinity. However, the final steady state level of chlorophyll is the same under both conditions. Growth under saline conditions did not change the ratio of dry weight to wet weight in the plant leaves nor the specific concentration of soluble protein in leaf extracts. Changes in the specific activity of 11 enzymes in leaf extracts during growth in the light were measured. At least six of these enzymes are known to be part of the photosynthetic apparatus and that their synthesis is subject to photocontrol. The changes in specific activity that were observed were slower in the salt-treated plants, but the final steady state concentration of each was the same as in the control plants. It is concluded that salinity impairs growth of pea plants but that formation of enzymes and other proteins are always in balance with growth. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Hensley, Jerry R.; Hanson, John B.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.13pmid: 16659242

Abstract Valinomycin in the presence of potassium is a potent uncoupler of corn (Zea mays L.) mitochondria, eliminating respiratory control. Valinomycin produces higher steady state potassium phosphate swelling which can be reversed to give active shrinkage if mersalyl is added to block the Pi−/OH− antiporter. Respiration declines concurrently. Uncouplers accelerate the shrinkage and restore the respiration. The same results can be obtained with sodium phosphate if gramicidin D is substituted as ionophore. It is concluded that valinomycin uncoupling is the result of cyclic salt transport, with influx pumping of potassium phosphate via the Pi−/OH− antiporter and efflux pumping via a K+/H+ antiporter. The result is a higher level of steady state swelling, rapid turnover of the proton gradient, and uncoupled respiration rates. The level of steady state swelling can be manipulated by varying the valinomycin or K+ concentrations, with high concentrations favoring activation of the efflux pump. A mosaic membrane model with high resistance for proton and monovalent cation penetration to the cation+/H+ antiporter is used to explain the results. 1 This research was supported by the United States Atomic Energy Commission, AT(11-1)-790. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Thanh, Vu Huu; Okubo, Kazuyoshi; Shibasaki, Kazuo

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.19pmid: 16659250

Abstract Two major proteins (the 7S and 11S globulins) of soybean (Glycine max) were simultaneously isolated by a simple method based on their different solubilities in dilute tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffers. The purified 7S globulins, which represented essentially the entire 7S soybean protein fraction capable of dimerization at 0.1 ionic strength, were fractionated into five components by diethylaminoethyl Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. The five 7S components were characterized by disc-electrophoresis. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Dickmann, Donald I.; Gordon, John C.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.23pmid: 16659251

Abstract Gas exchange and protein metabolism were studied in expanding, mature, and near-senescent leaves of young clonal Populus × euramericana cv. Wisconsin-5 plants. Dark respiration, CO2 evolution in the light, and CO2 compensation concentrations were highest in unexpanded leaves but declined markedly as leaves matured and aged. Net photosynthesis was highest in nearly mature leaves. Fresh weight continued to increase after leaf expansion was complete, whereas soluble protein levels declined. Changes in the distribution of photosynthetically incorporated 14C indicated that a high level of protein synthesis and rapid formation of structural components occurred only in expanding leaves. Protein turnover was slight in expanding leaves but was substantial after leaves were mature. Expanding leaves synthesized predominantly fraction I protein (ribulose diphosphate carboxylase). However, formation of this protein from photosynthate was slight once leaves matured. 2 Present address: Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. 48824. 1 Journal Paper No. J-7885 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa. Project 1872. Research was supported in part by funds from the Iowa State University Research Grants Committee. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Chlyah, Hassane; Van, Marie Tran Thanh; Demarly, Yves

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.28pmid: 16659252

Abstract The stem epidermis in Torenia fournieri, which has budding potentialialities, is composed of one cell layer which can be easily separated from the rest of the stem segment at different stages of bud formation. As the buds are formed directly from the epidermis, without intermediate callus formation, it is possible to observe simultaneously the cell division centers over the entire excised epidermal surface. The quantitative analysis at the 6-day stage of bud formation showed that the cell division centers do not have a random distribution on the epidermal surface. With respect to the length of the stem segment, the frequency of cell division centers increases toward the base which is also the direction of auxin transport. With respect to the width, the maximum number of division centers is observed on either side of the median zone. The median zone and the lateral zones have few division centers. An anatomical study showed that the zones with few division centers are the closest to underlying vascular tissue. A more uniform distribution of division centers can be obtained by addition of auxin to the medium. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Shore, Gordon; Raymond, Yves; Maclachlan, Gordon A.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.34pmid: 16659253

Abstract β-1, 4-Glucan (cellulose) synthetase activity (UDP-glucose: β-1, 4-glucan-glucosyl transferase) present at cell surfaces of growing regions of Pisum sativum epicotyl was assayed by supplying UDP-14C-glucose directly to thin slices of tissue. Initial rates of glucosyl transfer under these conditions approached the rates of cellulose deposition observed in vivo in intact tissue at various stages of growth. Normal tissue homogenization procedures destroyed the high surface activity, although a small amount of residual activity (3-10% of total) could be detected in particulate fractions. In homogenates from elongating tissue, the residual activity was almost entirely associated with Golgi membrane. In homogenates of tissue which had ceased elongating, whether because of normal maturation or treatment with ethylene (or high levels of auxin), the activity was present in Golgi plus a membrane fraction rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum vesicles. It is suggested that cellulose synthetase activity associated with these two organelles represents intracellular enzyme in transit to specific sites of cellulose synthesis and microfibrillar orientation at the cell surface. 2 Present address: National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA England. 1 This study was financed by operating grants to G.A.M. and scholarships to G.S. and Y.R. awarded by the National Research Council of Canada. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Lin, Chu-Yung; Chia, Subrina Li-Li; Travis, Robert L.; Key, Joe L.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.39pmid: 16659254

Abstract Ribosomal subunits prepared by NH4Cl dissociation (0.5 m) of the monomeric ribosomes were much less active in in vitro protein synthesis than those prepared by KCl dissociation. The decrease in activity correlated with a detachment of some proteins (L2 and L9 as shown by gel electrophoresis) within the 60S ribosomal subunits. Subunits prepared with 0.3 m NH4Cl retained L2 and L9, but the activity remained low. Incubation of these 60S subunits in TKM buffer (50 mm tris [pH 7.5], 20 mm KCl, and 5 mm MgCl2) for 20 min at 37 C restored the activity almost to the level of those obtained by KCl dissociation. Treatment of the 0.3 m NH4Cl-derived 60S subunits with a protein reagent, Procion brilliant blue, prior to extraction of the ribosomal proteins resulted in the loss of L2 and L9, showing that these proteins were made accessible for dye binding. These observations suggest that a considerable degree of unfolding of the 60S subunit occurs at 0.3 m NH4Cl (this apparently leads to a preferential detachment of L2 and L9 at 0.5 m NH4Cl) and that the activity of the purified subunits depends not only on the presence of L2 and L9 but also on the organization of these proteins within the 60S subunits. 1 This research was supported by a contract from the Atomic Energy Commission, AT (38-1)-643. 2 Part of the work was taken from the thesis submitted by S.L. Chia to the graduate school of the University of Georgia in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science degree. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Lawson, Verna R.; Weintraub, Robert L.

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.44pmid: 16659255

Abstract The final lengths of intact dark-grown coleoptiles vary with species and cultivar. The growth distribution pattern in the apical 25-mm growing zone and the absolute amount of growth in each zone depend on the age and species of the coleoptile. A comparative study of several cultivars of wheat, Triticum vulgare, and barley, Hordeum vulgare, indicates that the growth distribution pattern in 30- to 38-mm coleoptiles varies with the species and cultivar. In barley, there are two patterns of growth distribution among the several cultivars, whereas in wheat, all cultivars exhibit a common zonal growth pattern. The total growth of coleoptiles, initially 30 to 38 mm in length, during a 24-hour dark incubation period is the same in dark-grown coleoptiles as in those irradiated with 3 minutes of red (660 nm) light prior to the incubation period. The growth distribution pattern in the growing zone of this 30- to 38-mm coleoptile is, however, altered by red light. Growth of the apical 5-mm zone is stimulated by red light and the zonal growth 5 to 10 mm below the apex is only slightly affected, whereas growth in the zones 10 to 15 to 20, and 20 to 25 mm below the apex is inhibited. This growth distribution pattern in irradiated coleoptiles changes as the coleoptile increases in length. The response of a zone following exposure to red light is dependent upon the age of the seedlings irradiated. The over-all effect of red light on growth of the intact coleoptile varies with the length of the coleoptile. In young seedling 20 to 29 mm in length, the cells of the coleoptile can compensate for the effects of red light, with the over-all growth of the dark-grown and irradiated coleoptile about the same. As the seedling grows older, the cells of the coleoptile can no longer make up for the effects of red light, and the over-all effect changes from compensation to pronounced inhibition. 2 Present address: Department of Biology, Alcorn State University, Lorman, Miss. 39096. 1 This work was supported by a Smithsonian predoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution (SI-1672) and a United States Drug Administration Grant 416-15-56. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Ginzburg, Chen

doi: 10.1104/pp.56.1.51pmid: 16659256

Abstract The increase in dark CO2 fixation during cold storage of Gladiolus x gandavensis van Houtte-type grandiflorus cormels is used to monitor changes in their state of dormancy. Dark fixation is also promoted by benzyladenine, which breaks cormel dormancy, and is inhibited by abscisic acid and gibberellin A3, which inhibit cormel germination. The rate of dark fixation by nondormant cormels is five times higher than that in dormant ones. Dark fixation is not due to microorganisms. It is temperature-dependent and can be measured stoichiometrically in vivo. The apex and base of the cormels accumulate more label than the central part. Dark fixation of both dormant and nondormant cormels is also promoted by imbibition in water. The fate of the labeled assimilates was followed by ion exchange chromatography. 1 Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel. 1974 series, No. 235-E. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1975 American Society of Plant Biologists This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)