分离自苏云金芽胞杆菌的首例细菌乌头酸异构酶TbrA的酶学性质研究

【目的】乌头酸异构酶(aconitate isomerase,AI)可介导具有多重生物学活性及应用潜力的小分子物质反式乌头酸(trans-aconiticacid,TAA)的合成。本文通过表征来自苏云金芽胞杆菌的生物体首条AI基因(tbrA)的产物——TbrA蛋白的催化性质,填补人们对于AI酶学特性的认识。【方法】我们利用大肠杆菌Rosetta菌株和Ni²⁺柱亲和纯化获得了His6-TbrA蛋白,并在体外通过HPLC检测了产物生成及对应酶活。【结果】TbrA蛋白的最适pH、温度与离子强度分别为8.0,37°C和25 mmol/L。TbrA在10°C时仍保留约60%的活性,展现了较好的耐低温特性。金属离子Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺与还原剂DTT可显著增强TbrA活性,而Fe²⁺、Cu²⁺、Zn²⁺、Mn²⁺则强烈抑制TbrA活性。TbrA将顺式乌头酸(cis-aconitic acid,CAA)异构为TAA的正反应Km、Vmax、kcat、kcat/Km值分别为6.25mmol/L、1.39μmol/(L·s)、4.081/s、0.65L/(mmol·s),将TAA异构为CAA的逆反应的上述数值分别为71.50mmol/L、4.17μmol/(L·s)、12.25 1/s、0.17 L/(mmol·s)。【结论】AI酶蛋白TbrA可以在温和的理化条件下表现出最高活性,且更倾向于合成TAA。本研究定量描述了TbrA催化特性,为其今后应用于TAA工业生物合成奠定基础。     

荧光银纳米团簇的生物合成及其在痕量六价铬检测中的应用

【目的】利用季也蒙毕赤酵母ZJC-1合成银纳米团簇并用于痕量Cr(Ⅵ)的检测。【方法】使用经耐银驯化的季也蒙毕赤酵母ZJC-1生物合成荧光银纳米团簇,并对其结构和荧光性能进行了表征,探究Cr(Ⅵ)对银纳米团簇荧光的选择性猝灭作用,建立了银纳米团簇荧光强度与Cr(Ⅵ)浓度的线性关系。同时还考察了体系p H和其他金属离子对Cr(Ⅵ)检测的影响。【结果】Cr(Ⅵ)浓度在一定的范围内(1–80μmol/L)与银纳米团簇荧光强度(F_0–F)/F_0有着良好的线性关系(R~2=0.9821),线性方程为(F_0–F)/F_0=0.0054×C_cr(Ⅵ)+0.1876,检测限为184 nmol/L(信噪比为3)。利用该方法检测实际水样(松花江、马家沟河)中的Cr(Ⅵ),回收率介于97.73%–102.88%之间。【结论】以季也蒙毕赤酵母ZJC-1为还原剂和稳定剂,制备了具有较好荧光性能的水溶性银纳米团簇,基于Cr(Ⅵ)对银纳米团簇荧光的选择性猝灭作用,建立了一种快速且灵敏检测痕量Cr(Ⅵ)的新方法,并成功地应用于松花江、马家沟河水样中Cr(Ⅵ)的测定,在分析检测领域中具有良好的应用前景。     

生物含磷大分子与铀酰相互作用模拟计算研究

【目的】针对UO₂²⁺_主要在生物细胞表面生成微纳米片状磷酸氢铀酰矿化体这一前期研究基础。【方法】本文采用模拟计算的方法,探究了磷脂（生物共有）、脂多糖（革兰氏阴性菌特有）、磷壁酸（革兰氏阳性菌特有）、植酸（植物特有）4种生物壁膜及胞外含磷大分子（biological macromolecules with phosphorous,BCP）与UO₂²⁺_之间的相互作用力、作用能和间距等。【结果】蒙特卡罗分析结果表明：在弱酸性(UO₂²⁺₎、中性至弱碱性(UO₂²⁺_与CO32–共存)两种体系下,BCP对UO₂²⁺_的吸附均容易发生,吸附能分布在–109 kcal/mol至–114 kcal/mol之间。分子动力学结果显示,UO₂²⁺     

基因重组与外源铁离子对大肠杆菌合成血红素的影响

【背景】大肠杆菌通过C5途径合成卟啉及血红素,5-氨基乙酰丙酸(5-aminolevulinic acid,5-ALA)是C5途径中关键的前体物质,血红素由原卟啉IX (protoporphyrin IX, PPIX)螯合一个铁离子所形成,目前5-ALA与PPIX的外泌对卟啉的积累和血红素合成的影响尚不清楚。【目的】构建5-ALA外泌蛋白基因rhtA和卟啉外泌蛋白基因tolC双缺失的大肠杆菌以积累卟啉,同时外源添加铁离子,并过表达亚铁螯合酶基因hemH及参与铁摄取的基因efeB,促进卟啉向血红素的转化。【方法】通过Red同源重组敲除大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)的rhtA和tolC,并外源添加不同浓度的FeSO₄及Fe₂(SO₄)₃,同时构建重组质粒pEHE过表达hemH和efeB,检测卟啉和血红素含量,分析卟啉向血红素的转化。【结果】敲除rhtA和tolC对菌体生长无显著影响,与野生菌WT相比,敲除菌株WT-RT的卟啉含量增加,血红素合成略有提升。外源添加100μmol/L Fe²⁺     

溴氰菊酯对神经细胞钙通道和 钙库的激活作用

应用膜片钳全细胞记录方式和显微荧光测钙技术,以MN9D神经细胞为材料研究了溴氰菊酯的作用机理。低浓度(10^-9 mol/L～10^-7 mol/L)溴氰菊酯就能使神经细胞Ca²⁺电流显著增加。10^-9 mol/L,1 min时电流增加平均值为20.64%,5 min时为15.48%,表明溴氰菊酯能激活高电位激活钙通道(L型和N型),促使Ca²⁺内流,显微荧光测定细胞内自由钙离子浓度（［Ca²⁺］_I）发现,在含Ca²⁺和无Ca²⁺的胞外液中,溴氰菊酯均能使胞内自由钙离子数量增加,表明它能刺激胞内钙库释放Ca²⁺。［Ca²⁺］_I升高对细胞功能影响很大。     

地毯草黄单胞菌双组分系统VgrS-VgrR基因敲除及表型筛选

【目的】研究地毯草黄单胞菌双组分系统VgrS-VgrR与致病性的关系,为木薯细菌性病害的高效防控提供分子生物学证据。【方法】采用同源重组方法构建vgrS和vgrR的插入失活突变体,用可移动的cosmid载体p HM1构建互补菌株。检测突变体的致病性、细菌游动性、胞外酶、胞外多糖的变化,观察细菌对H_2O_2和金属离子胁迫的反应。【结果】相比野生型菌株,vgrS和vgrR突变体接种寄主植物木薯后致病力显著降低,突变体的游动性减少、蛋白酶活性减弱、H_2O_2耐受性降低,在高浓度金属离子Fe²⁺、Fe³⁺、Cu²⁺、Ni²⁺、Zn²⁺、Co²⁺的胁迫条件下菌体生长显著减弱。然而,vgrS和vgrR突变体的胞外多糖含量显著升高,分别是野生型的2.14和1.89倍。【结论】阐明了VgrS-VgrR系统在细菌致病过程中发挥的重要作用,为鉴定VgrS-VgrR调控机制提供线索,为药物筛选提供靶向目标。     

大气CO2和O3浓度升高对水稻根际土壤胞外酶活性的影响

大气二氧化碳(CO₂)和臭氧(O₃)浓度升高是全球气候变化的主要特征之一。土壤胞外酶作为维持土壤生态系统服务功能的重要参与者，其活性对于大气CO₂和O₃浓度升高的响应特征及驱动机制研究，以及应对并缓解未来全球气候变化具有重要意义。本研究采用开顶式气室(OTCs)分别模拟大气CO₂浓度升高(环境大气+200μmol·mol^-1,eCO₂)、大气O₃浓度升高(环境大气+0.04μmol·mol^-1,eO₃)及其交互处理(环境大气+200μmol·mol^-1 CO₂+0.04μmol·mol^-1 O₃,eCO₂+eO₃),探究水稻根际土壤胞外酶活性对大气CO₂和O₃浓度升高的响应。结果表明：与对照(环境...     

普通小球藻对复合重金属镉和铬的生物吸附及影响因素

【背景】微藻对重金属具有极强的耐受性,而且有较高的吸附率,是一种优良的生物吸附剂。【目的】探究环境因素对小球藻吸附镉离子(Cd²⁺)和铬离子(Cr³⁺)的影响。【方法】以普通小球藻（Chlorella vulgaris）在不同条件下对重金属离子的吸附率为基准,利用CdCl₂·2H₂O和CrCl₃·7H₂O提供重金属离子,根据不同处理下小球藻吸附率的变化情况探讨重金属离子浓度、p H和温度等环境因素对普通小球藻吸附Cd²⁺和Cr³⁺的影响。【结果】在温度为30°C、p H值为5.5、Cd²⁺和Cr³⁺浓度分别为0.4 mg/L和4.0 mg/L及生物量为0.59 g/L的条件下,普通小球藻对复合Cd²⁺和Cr³⁺吸附率达到最大,吸附率分别达到84.5%和75.2%,同时发现普通小球藻对Cd²⁺的吸附率大于C...     

水杨酸在白桦苗期抵御盐碱胁迫中的调控作用

为探究盐碱胁迫下外施水杨酸(SA)对白桦(Betula platyphylla)苗生长及次生产物合成的影响,以白桦幼苗为材料,分别施加3种处理：清水处理(对照),200 mmol·L^-1 NaHCO₃,200 mmol·L^-1 NaHCO₃+360μmol·L^-1 SA,检测不同处理条件下的白桦苗中部叶片相对电导率、叶绿素荧光参数、渗透物质含量、抗氧化酶活性和三萜合成途径关键基因的相对表达量,同时检测白桦苗总三萜、黄酮和多酚含量变化。结果表明：(1)在200 mmol·L^-1NaHCO₃胁迫下,再进行360μmol·L^-1 SA处理能够显著降低白桦苗叶片的相对电导率,提高叶绿素荧光参数F_v/F_m,增加脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白含量,一定程度上增强白桦苗抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT、APX)活性。(2)200 mmol·L^-1NaHCO₃     

萘乙酸对洋葱根系铜胁迫的缓解作用

以洋葱Allium cepa为材料,采用水培方式,以3μmol·L^–1硫酸铜溶液为基础,外加不同浓度萘乙酸,对洋葱根尖进行处理,探究萘乙酸对铜胁迫的缓解作用。结果表明,3μmol·L^–1硫酸铜溶液处理对洋葱根系生长抑制明显;3μmol·L^–1硫酸铜和1μmol·L^–1萘乙酸处理表现出双抑制作用,并提升细胞SOD活性和MDA含量,根尖细胞有丝分裂指数明显下降,变异率增加。10^–2或10^–4μmol·L^–1萘乙酸溶液处理对洋葱根系生长促进明显。在3μmol·L^–1硫酸铜和10^–2μmol·L^–1萘乙酸共处理下,萘乙酸对洋葱根系铜胁迫有明显缓解作用,洋葱根系生长恢复到对照水平,与3μmol·L^–1硫酸铜溶液处理对比,显著提升根尖细胞有丝分裂指数,降低了畸变率、细胞SOD活性及MDA含量。说明适当浓度萘乙酸对根系铜胁迫有明显缓解作用。     

Effects of macro elements and nitrogen source on adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer)

We investigated the effects on ginseng adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production when macro-element concentrations and nitrogen source were manipulated in the culture media. Biomass growth was greatest in the medium supplemented with 0.5-strength NH₄PO₃, whereas ginsenoside accumulation was highest (9.90 mg g^-1 DW) in the absence of NH₄PO₃. At levels of 1.0-strength KNO₃, root growth was maximum, but a 2.0 strength of KNO₃ led to the greatest ginsenoside content (9.85 mg g^-l). High concentrations of MgSO₄ were most favorable for both root growth and ginsenoside accumulation (up to 8.89 mg g^-1 DW). Root growth and ginsenoside content also increased in proportion to the concentration of CaCI₂ in the medium, with the greatest accumulation of ginsenoside (8.91 mg g^-1 DW) occurring at a 2.0 strength. The NH₄/NO₃ ^-- ratio also influenced adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production; both parameters were greater when the NO₃ ^- concentration was higher than that of NH₄ ⁺. Maximum root growth was achieved at an NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^- ratio of 7.19/18.50, while ginsenoside production was greatest (83.37 mg L^-1) when NO₃ ^- was used as the sole N source.     

应用15N示踪研究欧美杨对PM2.5无机成分NH4+和NO3-的吸收与分配

通过气溶胶发生系统模拟PM2.5颗粒的发生,运用15N示踪技术研究了欧美杨107(Populus euramericana Neva.)对PM2.5中水溶性无机成分NH+4和NO-3的吸收与分配规律。结果表明,欧美杨能够有效吸收PM2.5中的NH+4和NO-3。轻度和重度污染下,欧美杨叶片对NH+4和NO-3的吸收速率均于处理后第1天达到峰值,之后,轻度污染下对NH+4和NO-3的吸收速率迅速降低以后趋于稳定,而重度污染下对NH+4和NO-3的吸收速率缓慢下降至趋于稳定。轻度污染下的欧美杨叶片的15N含量在处理后第1天达到峰值,15N(NH+4)的含量为0.11 mg/g,干重,15N(NO-3)的为0.14 mg/g,干重,之后15N含量迅速下降至趋于稳定。重度污染下的叶片15N含量在处理第1天迅速增长,之后缓慢增长至处理后第7天达到最高值,15N(NH+4)的含量为0.11 mg/g,干重,15N(NO-3)的为0.13 mg/g,干重。处理7 d后,欧美杨不同组织器官吸收或通过再分配获取的15N含量存在差异。轻度污染下,细根对NH+4和NO-3的吸收量最高,树皮、叶柄、叶片次之,髓最低。而重度污染下,叶片对NH+4和NO-3的吸收量最高,细根、叶柄、树皮次之,髓最低。欧美杨各组织器官中NH+4和NO-3的含量均表现为重度污染大于轻度污染,且两种污染程度下的欧美杨各组织器官对NO-3的吸收均大于对NH+4的吸收。重度污染下,欧美杨茎木质部对15N(NH+4和NO-3)的吸收征调能力(Ndff,Nitrogen derived from fertilizer)最大,其次为髓,叶片最小;欧美杨各组织器官中的15N分配率表现为叶片细根叶柄树皮粗根茎木质部髓。研究结果对进一步揭示植物吸收PM2.5的机制及有效利用植物降低颗粒物污染、净化环境提供了重要的科学理论依据。     

Mechanisms of signal transduction in photo-stimulated secretion in Phaeocystis globosa

Phaeocystis globosa, a leading agent in marine carbon cycling, releases its photosynthesized biopolymers via regulated exocytosis. Release is elicited by blue light and relayed by a characteristic cytosolic Ca(2+) signal. However, the source of Ca(2+) in these cells has not been established. The present studies indicate that Phaeocystis' secretory granules work as an intracellular Ca(2+) oscillator. Optical tomography reveals that photo-stimulation induces InsP(3)-triggered periodic lumenal [Ca(2+)] oscillations in the granule and corresponding out-of-phase cytosolic oscillations of [Ca(2+)] that trigger exocytosis. This Ca(2+) dynamics results from an interplay between the intragranular polyanionic matrix, and two Ca(2+)-sensitive ion channels located on the granule membrane: an InsP(3)-receptor-Ca(2+) channel, and an apamin-sensitive K(+) channel.     

Respiration of blue-green algae in the light

The CO₂ evolution in the light of Anabaena as well as several other blue-green algae is below 10% of the dark control. Addition of DCMU restores CO₂ evolution in the light almost to the dark level. Furthermore, by adding unlabeled NaHCO₃, a ¹⁴CO₂ release is observed with prelabeled algal cells attaining 15 to 100% of dark control. Analysis by double-reciprocal plots exhibits a competitive relationship between added and endogenously released carbon dioxide. We conclude that CO₂ evolved by respiration is immediately refixed in the light without being liberated.The degree of ¹⁴CO₂ release induced by unlabeled bicarbonate in the light allows to determine true photoinhibition of respiration. Anabaena variabilis Kütz. exhibits almost no inhibition while in eight other species respiration is light-inhibited between 50 and 85% of the dark control.Abbreviations CCCP carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone - DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea - TCA trichloroacetic acid     

Optimizing environmental factors for large-scale multiplication of chrysanthemum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysanthemum grandiflorum</Emphasis>) in balloon-type bioreactor culture

Summary We have developed optimum culture conditions for the large-scale propagation of chrysanthemum in balloon-type bioreactors to achieve vigorous growth and quality. The effects of NH ₄ ⁺ /NO ₃ ⁻ ratio, air volume, air temperature, photosynthetic photo flux, and an inoculation density on the growth and quality of plantlets were investigated. The best production conditions were an NH ₄ ⁺ :NO ₃ ⁻ ratio of 20∶40 mM, air exchange of 0.1 vvm min⁻¹, air temperature 25°C, photosynthetic photo flux (PPF) at 100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and an inoculation density of 40 nodes Chrysanthemum grandiflorum. Under each of these conditions, the maximum growth rate reached 279.0, 260,0, 20.0, 23.3, and 94.5 (g-fresh weight per plantlet d⁻¹), respectively, at 12 wk of culture. These results specify the key environmental factors that can be regulated to improve the quality and quantity of flowers and increase yield in large-scale bioreactor cultures of chrysanthemum.     

Scavenging of free radicals in gas-phase mainstream cigarette smoke by immobilized catalase at filter level

Catalase is well known as capable of inducing the decomposition of H₂O₂. In this study, a kind of immobilized catalase (entrapped in cross-linked chitosan beads) was dispersed in conventional acetate filter as an antioxidant additive. Quantitative estimation of the free radicals in mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS) was performed to address the effect of this modified filter. It was found that the levels of PBN adduct and NO^?/NO₂^? associated with the gas-phase mainstream cigarette smoke (GPCS) were efficiently decreased by ～40% through catalase filtering. Besides, the modified filter was found to lower the MCS-induced adverse biological effects including lipid peroxidation and mutagenicity. This was proved to be substantially attributed to the catalase-dependent breakdown of NO^?, which was stimulated by some of peroxides (most probably being H₂O₂), the dismutation products of tar particulate matters (TPM). These results highlighted a promising approach to reduce the smoking-associated health risks to passive smokers. Moreover, the mechanisms of catalase filtering may be helpful for the development of appropriate immobilized enzyme systems to be applied for reducing health risks associated with gaseous pollutants.     

A field method of determining NH 4 + and NO 3 - uptake kinetics in intact roots: Effects of CO2 enrichment on trees and crop species

Models describing plant and ecosystem N cycles require an accurate assessment of root physiological uptake capacity for NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- under field conditions. Traditionally, rates of ion uptake in field-grown plants are determined by using excised root segments incubated for a short period in an assay solution containing N either as a radioactive or stable isotope tracer (e.g., ³⁶ClO₃ as a NH ₄ ⁺ analogue, ¹⁴CH₃NH₃ as an NO ₃ ^- analogue or ¹⁵NH ₄ ⁺ and ¹⁵NO ₃ ^- ). Although reliable, this method has several drawbacks. For example, in addition to radioactive safety issues, purchase and analysis of radioactive and stable isotopes is relatively expensive and can be a major limitation. More importantly, because excision effectively interrupts exchange of compounds between root and shoot (e.g., carbohydrate supply to root and N transport to shoot), the assay must be conducted quickly to avoid such complications. Here we present a novel field method for simultaneous measurements of NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- uptake kinetics in intact root systems. The application of this method is demonstrated using two tree species; red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and two crop species soybean (Glycine max) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Plants were grown in open-top chambers at either ambient or elevated levels of atmospheric CO₂ at two separate US national sites involved in CO₂ research. Absolute values of net uptake rates and the kinetic parameters determined by our method were found to be in agreement with the literature reports. Roots of the crop species exhibited a greater uptake capacity for both N forms relative to tree species. Elevated CO₂ did not significantly affect kinetics of N uptake in species tested except in red maple where it increased root uptake capacity, V, for NH ₄ ⁺ . The application, reliability, advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

ATP-independent luminal oscillations and release of Ca2+ and H+ from mast cell secretory granules: implications for signal transduction

InsP(3) is an important link in the intracellular information network. Previous observations show that activation of InsP(3)-receptor channels on the granular membrane can turn secretory granules into Ca(2+) oscillators that deliver periodic trains of Ca(2+) release to the cytosol (T. Nguyen, W. C. Chin, and P. Verdugo, 1998, Nature, 395:908-912; I. Quesada, W. C. Chin, J. Steed, P. Campos-Bedolla, and P. Verdugo, 2001, BIOPHYS: J. 80:2133-2139). Here we show that InsP(3) can also turn mast cell granules into proton oscillators. InsP(3)-induced intralumenal [H(+)] oscillations are ATP-independent, result from H(+)/K(+) exchange in the heparin matrix, and produce perigranular pH oscillations with the same frequency. These perigranular pH oscillations are in-phase with intralumenal [H(+)] but out-of-phase with the corresponding perigranular [Ca(2+)] oscillations. The low pH of the secretory compartment has critical implications in a broad range of intracellular processes. However, the association of proton release with InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) signals, their similar periodic nature, and the sensitivity of important exocytic proteins to the joint action of Ca(2+) and pH strongly suggests that granules might encode a combined Ca(2+)/H(+) intracellular signal. A H(+)/Ca(2+) signal could significantly increase the specificity of the information sent by the granule by transmitting two frequency encoded messages targeted exclusively to proteins like calmodulin, annexins, or syncollin that are crucial for exocytosis and require specific combinations of [Ca(2+)] "and" pH for their action.     

天山林区不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融过程的动态响应

季节性冻融过程对北方温带森林土壤氮素的转化与流失具有重要影响,但不同类型群落对冻融过程响应的差异尚不明确。通过在林地、草地、灌丛上设置系列监测样地,采用原位培养的方法,利用林冠遮挡形成的自然雪被厚度差异,监测分析了冻融期天山林区不同群落表层土壤(0—15 cm)的氮素动态及净氮矿化速率间的差异。结果表明:(1)不同类型群落土壤的铵态氮(NH+4-N)含量、微生物量氮(MBN)含量基本与土壤(5 cm)温度呈正相关,深冻期林地土壤铵态氮含量低于其他群落类型而硝态氮含量高于其他群落类型;(2)硝态氮(NO-3-N)为天山林区季节性冻融期间土壤矿质氮的主体,占比达78.4%。灌丛土壤硝态氮流失风险较大,融化末期较融化初期灌丛土壤硝态氮含量下降了64.6%;(3)冻融时期对整体氮素矿化速率影响显著,群落类型对氨化速率影响显著;(4)天山林区土壤氮素在冻结期主要以氮固持为主。通过揭示不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融格局的响应,能够助益于对北方林区冬季土壤氮素循环的认识。     

Sources of N uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and N transformations in soil treated with a nitrification inhibitor (nitrapyrin)

Rates of N uptake by spring wheat as ammonium and as nitrate, and rates of nitrification, gross N immobilization and gross N mineralization were measured in a pot experiment during 84 days of growth in a clay soil. Soil treatments included an unfertilized control and addition of ¹⁵NH₄NO₃ or NH₄ ¹⁵NO₃ in the absence and presence of N-serve 24E. Incorporation of ammonium into the soil organic N pool was considerably higher in the presence compared to the absence of nitrapyrin, but the processes contributing to this effect could not be positively identified. Both dry matter and grain yield as well as N uptake by wheat were enhanced in the presence of the inhibitor in N fertilized soil, despite the increased immobilization of N. On the other hand, inhibitor application had a detrimental effect on yield and N uptake by wheat in unfertilized soil. Both ammonium and nitrate forms of inorganic N were absorbed by wheat, but nitrate uptake was dominant in the absence of the inhibitor. The uptake of N as ammonium was higher and the uptake of N as nitrate was less, both in absolute and proportional terms, in the presence compared to the absence of inhibitor. In addition, the proportion of N taken up as ammonium was higher than the proportion of N as ammonium in the available N pool up to day 56 in the inhibitor treatment, which indicated a preference for ammonium uptake by wheat. Evidence was obtained which suggested that several factors may have contributed to the positive response of wheat to inhibitor application in N fertilized soil, including reduced N losses, higher gross N mineralization and a physiological response due to the proportional increase in uptake of inorganic N as ammonium.