Organic Acid Exudation by Wild Herbs in Response to Elevated Al Concentrations

In acidic soils, monomeric aluminium (Al³⁺) can reach levelsthat are toxic to plants, thus preventing many species fromgrowing there. Organic acids chelate Al and render it non-toxic.It has been shown that exudation of organic acids by Al-tolerantcrops increases their tolerance to Al. We have extended thisobservation to wild plants by comparing the ability of ten herbsto exude organic acids in response to elevated Al levels. Wehypothesized that exudation of organic acids was related tothe ability of plants to grow on Al-rich soils. Two grasseswere grown in rhizotrons in soils with 41 and 63 µM reactiveAl. Organic acids were sampled from root tips connected to anintact plant-root system.Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin. exudedmore malic acid when grown in the soil with the highest Al content.Five forbs and five grasses were also exposed to three Al levels(0, 25 and 75 µM) in a hydroponic system.Rumex acetosellaL. and Viscaria vulgaris Bernh. increased exudation of oxalicacid and Galium saxatile auct. non L. and Veronica officinalisL. increased exudation of citric acid in response to elevatedAl. The distribution of the forbs in the field as describedby soil pH was negatively related to the amount of organic acidsexuded in response to Al. In contrast, none of the grasses exudedhigher amounts of organic acids with increasing Al concentrationin the hydroponic experiment. Copyright 2001 Annals of BotanyCompany Citrate, malate, aluminium detoxification, rhizotron, hydroponics, rhizosphere, Carex pilulifera,Deschampsia flexuosa , Festuca gigantea, Galium saxatile, Geum urbanum, Holcus mollis,Milium effusum , Rumex acetosella, Veronica officinalis, Viscaria vulgaris     

铝毒胁迫诱导菜豆柠檬酸的分泌与累积

水培试验结果表明 ,铝毒诱导菜豆柠檬酸的分泌与累积存在着显著的基因型差异 .Al3 + 浓度 <5 0 μmol·L-1时 ,柠檬酸分泌量随Al3 + 浓度的增大而增加 ;Al3 + 浓度在 5 0～ 80 μmol·L-1时 ,柠檬酸分泌量随Al3 + 浓度的增大而减小 .不同菜豆基因型以G1984 2的柠檬酸分泌量最大 ,单位干重Al吸收量最小 .铝毒胁迫时 ,不同菜豆基因型叶片柠檬酸累积量无明显差异 ,根系柠檬酸累积量为G1984 2 >AFR >ZPV >G5 2 73.菜豆柠檬酸分泌量缺P处理 <铝毒胁迫 ,5 0 μmol·L-1LaCl3 不能诱导菜豆分泌柠檬酸 ,表明柠檬酸的分泌与累积是菜豆抗铝毒胁迫的重要生理反应     

Calcium Oxalate Biomineralization by Piloderma fallax in Response to Various Levels of Calcium and Phosphorus

Piloderma fallax is an ectomycorrhizal fungus commonly associated with several conifer and hardwood species. We examined the formation of calcium oxalate crystals by P. fallax in response to calcium (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 mM) and phosphorus (0.1 and 6 mM) additions in modified Melin-Norkrans agar medium. Both calcium and phosphorus supplementation significantly affected the amount of calcium oxalate formed. More calcium oxalate was formed at high P levels. Concentrations of soluble oxalate in the fungus and medium were higher at low P levels. There was a strong positive linear relationship between Ca level and calcium oxalate but only under conditions of phosphorus limitation. Calcium oxalate crystals were identified as the monohydrate form (calcium oxalate monohydrate [COM] whewellite) by X-ray diffraction analysis. Prismatic, styloid, and raphide forms of the crystals, characteristic COM, were observed on the surface of fungal hyphae by scanning electron microscopy. P. fallax may be capable of dissolving hyphal calcium oxalate under conditions of limited Ca. The biomineralization of calcium oxalate by fungi may be an important step in the translocation and cycling of Ca and P in soil.Many fungi from forest litter, including ectomycorrhizal fungi, exhibit calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals on their hyphae. The ubiquity of CaOx crystals on fungal hyphae suggests that their formation may provide a selective advantage to the organism (4). CaOx formation is hypothesized to regulate intracellular pH and levels of oxalate and Ca and, hence, serves as a major sink for toxic amounts of Ca in soil and other environments (52, 53, 61). In plants, CaOx crystals have also been proposed to serve as a calcium source under conditions of calcium limitation (14, 18, 41), but such a process has yet to be established among fungi.CaOx on fungal hyphae is formed from soil-derived calcium and biologically synthesized oxalate. Oxalate released by ectomycorrhizae has been correlated with increased phosphorus bioavailability in the rhizosphere (V. Casarin, cited by Hinsinger in reference 25). The ability of oxalate to chelate metal ions makes it important in the solubilization and transport of metals in soil, the weathering and diagenesis of rocks and soil minerals (9, 23, 31, 57), and, consequently, the transport of nutrients. It is generally presumed that CaOx crystals form on the surface of fungal hyphae as a result of precipitation when released oxalic acid interacts with calcium cations (23, 43). However, the regularity of the CaOx crystals suggests that their formation is regulated and that they may be formed within the fungal hyphae at specific sites of origin (3, 5, 7).CaOx crystals vary in morphology, ranging from plates to raphides, druses, tetragonal bipyramids, and prisms. This variation in morphology can be seen among fungal genera and species (4). The crystals also usually occur either as CaOx monohydrate (COM; whewellite) (29) or CaOx dihydrate (weddellite) (3, 5, 28, 35, 60). Either crystal form or both may be present on fungal hyphae at the same time.In earlier studies (8, 9), we reported that Piloderma fallax is one of the major species of ectomycorrhizal fungi in subboreal forests. In addition, Piloderma sp. is found in temperate forest soils in association with conifer and hardwood species (34). Piloderma influences nutrient uptake and modifies mineral transformation in rock and soil systems (3, 33). In this study, we chose P. fallax because of (i) its ability to produce oxalate and form CaOx crystals (8, 56), (ii) its presence in many types of forest ecosystems, and (iii) its significant role in the breakdown and formation of soil minerals (9).The objective of this study was to quantify and characterize the formation of CaOx by P. fallax in response to various P and Ca levels in agar medium. We tested the hypothesis that P limitation will induce the production of oxalate and that increased concentrations of Ca will result in greater CaOx formation. This study also examined the dissolution of CaOx on P. fallax when it is grown on Ca-deficient medium and determined whether CaOx can serve as temporary Ca storage. Our study was conducted to add to knowledge of the ecological significance of CaOx, especially of its influence in biogeochemical cycling of P and Ca in soils.     

Differential Exudation of Polypeptides by Roots of Aluminum-Resistant and Aluminum-Sensitive Cultivars of Triticum aestivum L. in Response to Aluminum Stress

Cultivars of Triticum aestivum differing in resistance to Al were grown under aseptic conditions in the presence and absence of Al and polypeptides present in root exudates were collected, concentrated, and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Upon exposure to 100 and 200 [mu]M Al, root elongation in Al-sensitive cultivars was reduced by 30 and 65%, respectively, whereas root elongation in resistant cultivars was reduced by only 15 and 30%. Accumulation of polypeptides in the growth medium increased with time for 96 to 120 h, with little additional accumulation thereafter. This pattern of exudation was virtually unaffected by exposure to 100 [mu]M Al in the Al-resistant cultivars Atlas 66 and Maringa, whereas total accumulation was reduced in sensitive cultivars. Changes in exudation were consistent with alterations in root elongation. Al-induced or Al-enhanced polypeptide bands were detected in Atlas 66 and Maringa after 72 h of exposure to Al. Increased accumulation of 12-, 22-, and 33-kD bands was observed at 75 [mu]M Al in Atlas 66 and 12-, 23-, and 43.5-kD bands started to appear at 50 [mu]M Al in Maringa. In the Al-sensitive cultivars Roblin and Katepwa, no significant effect on polypeptide profiles was observed at values up to 100 [mu]M Al. When root exudates were separated by ultrafiltration and the Al content was measured in both high molecular mass (HMM; >10 kD) and ultrafiltrate (<10 kD) fractions, approximately 2 times more Al was detected in HMM fractions from Al-resistant cultivars than from Al-sensitive cultivars. Dialysis of HMM fractions against water did not release this bound Al;digestion with protease released between 62 and 73% of total Al, with twice as much released from exudates of Al-resistant than of Al-sensitive cultivars. When plants were grown in the presence of 0 to 200 [mu]M Al, saturation of the Al-binding capacity of HMM exudates occurred at 50 [mu]M Al in Al-sensitive cultivars. Saturation was not achieved in resistant cultivars. Differences in exudation of total polypeptides in response to Al stress, enhanced accumulation of specific polypeptides, and the greater association of Al with HMM fractions from Al-resistant cultivars suggest that root exudate polypeptides may play a role in plant response to Al.     

Exudation of terpenoids by cotton roots

Summary The terpenoid aldehydes, desoxyhemigossypol, desoxy-6-methoxyhemigossypol, hemigossypol, 6-methoxyhemigossypol, gossypol, 6-methoxygossypol, and 6,6′-dimethoxygossypol, previously reported to be present in cotton roots (Gossypium hivsutum L.) were found on absorbing surfaces adjacent to roots. Infection of hypocotyls byRhizoctonia solani increased the quantity of terpenoids exuded by roots. Because these compounds are antimicrobial, their presence in the rhizosphere should be considered in studies of the microflora of cotton roots.     

乳酸发酵香芋饮料的研制

目的：探讨乳酸菌发酵制备香芋饮料的工艺条件。方法：通过正交实验得出发酵的最佳工艺条件。结果：保加利亚乳杆菌与嗜热链球菌最佳添加比例为1：1,发酵温度为42℃,发酵时间为36h,添加蔗糖量5％时饮料口味最佳。结论：通过乳酸菌发酵香芋汁可以制得保健型香芋饮料。     

Exudation of Recently Fixed Carbon by Non-Sterile Roots

Preliminary results on exudation of recently fixed carbon fromthe roots of non-sterile, hydroponically grown wheat seedlingsare presented. Within the first 200 min after photosynthesisof a ¹¹CO₂ pulse up to 30% of the total tracer transported tothe root had appeared as labelled carbon dioxide within theroot bathing solution. Through the use of inhibitors it wasfound that 30% of the total tracer released from the roots wasprobably root exudate, the remaining fraction being carbon dioxidefrom root respiration. When no inhibitors were present the micro-organismpopulation on the root was able to utilize all of the root exudateso that none accumulated in the root bathing solution. Export of recently fixed carbon from the root back to the shootwas very dependent on root respiration. Key words: Wheat, Roots, Carbon exudation     

香芹酚微乳液对鲜切红芋保鲜效果研究

为改进鲜切红芋的保鲜技术,开发天然安全的新型保鲜剂,将芳香植物精油提取物香芹酚配制成微乳液,对鲜切红芋进行保鲜处理,通过测定红芋各项生理生化指标,判断香芹酚微乳液对鲜切红芋的抑菌保鲜效果。结果表明,0.7%香芹酚微乳液在鲜切红芋贮藏期间能有效控制微生物生长,抑制酶(多酚氧化酶、过氧化物酶)活性,延缓营养物质(可溶性固形物、淀粉)损失,使其具有较好的感官品质,延长保鲜期。     

Response of rice to Al stress and identification of quantitative trait Loci for Al tolerance

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) shows the highest tolerance to Al toxicity among small-grain cereal crops, however, the mechanisms and genetics responsible for its high Al tolerance are not yet well understood. We investigated the response of rice to Al stress using the japonica variety Koshihikari in comparison to the indica variety Kasalath. Koshihikari showed higher tolerance at various Al concentrations than Kasalath. The Al content in root apexes was less in Koshihikari than in Kasalath, suggesting that exclusion mechanisms rather than internal detoxification are acting in Koshihikari. Al-induced secretion of citrate was observed in both Koshihikari and Kasalath, however, it is unlikely to be the mechanism for Al tolerance because there was no significant difference in the amount of citrate secreted between Koshihikari and Kasalath. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Al tolerance were mapped in a population of 183 backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from a cross of Koshihikari and Kasalath. Three putative QTLs controlling Al tolerance were detected on chromosomes 1, 2 and 6. Kasalath QTL alleles on chromosome 1 and 2 reduced Al tolerance but increased tolerance on chromosome 6. The three QTLs explained about 27% of the phenotypic variation in Al tolerance. The existence of QTLs for Al tolerance was confirmed in substitution lines for corresponding chromosomal segments.     

Oxalate metabolism by tobacco leaf discs

The turnover rate of oxalate in leaf discs of Nicotiana tabacum, var Havana Seed, during photosynthesis was estimated to be 1 to 2 micromoles per gram fresh weight per hour. Radioactivity from the enzymic oxidation of [¹⁴C]oxalate rapidly appeared in neutral sugars (mainly sucrose), organic acids (mainly malate), and amino acids. Only 5% of the radioactivity was released to the atmosphere as ¹⁴CO₂, and no formate or formaldehyde could be detected. The metabolism of oxalate was not increased by raising the O₂ concentration from 1% to 21% to 60%, nor was the formation of [¹⁴C]oxalate from [2-¹⁴C]glyoxylate changed under the same conditions as was previously observed in vitro (Havir 1983 Plant Physiol 71: 874-878). While oxalate is not an inert end product of the glycolate pathway, it contributes little to the formation of photorespiratory CO₂.     

2-Ketogluconate Reductase Inhibition by Oxalate

The active site of α-glucosidase from Mucor javanicus IFO 4570 was investigated by kinetic studies. Competition between maltose and soluble starch, and linearity of Lineweaver-Burk plots for the mixed substrates were observed. The dependence of the apparent maximum velocities agreed with those predicted for a single active site mechanism. These results suggest that the enzyme hydrolyzes maltose and soluble starch at a single active site.     

黄瓜叶片对草酸铁的还原作用

铁还原作用在植物叶片对铁素吸收及利用过程中起关键作用.本研究表明相对于其它几种常用的铁螯合物如二乙基四乙酸铁(FeⅢEDTA)或柠檬酸铁,草酸铁更有利于黄瓜活体叶片及铁还原酶的作用,即表现出更高的铁还原活力.缺铁降低了黄瓜叶片中的铁还原活性.缺铁时叶片中的草酸含量不受影响,而富含在石灰性缺铁土壤中的碳酸氢根离子能使叶片中草酸含量显著提高.     

Anabolic Incorporation of Oxalate by Oxalobacter formigenes

Cell-free lysates of the strict anaerobe Oxalobacter formigenes contained the following enzymatic activities: oxalyl coenzyme A reductase, glyoxylate carboligase, tartronic semialdehyde reductase, and glycerate kinase. NAD(P)-linked formate dehydrogenase, serine-glyoxylate aminotransferase, and NAD(P) transhydrogenase activities were not detected. These results support the hypothesis that O. formigenes assimilates carbon from oxalate by using the glycerate pathway, whereby oxalate is reduced to 3-phosphoglycerate before entering common biosynthetic pathways.     

Oxalate nephropathy due to gastrointestinal disorders.

Renal failure secondary to oxalate interstitial nephritis developed in three patients with malabsorption and steatorrhea following a jejunoileal bypass, extensive small intestine resection and a partial gastrectomy. Hyperoxaluria was documented in two of the cases. The possibility that this complication can occur in patients after a jejunoileal bypass operation is now recognized. This report shows that it can also occur in patients with other bowel disorders that cause malabsorption and steatorrhea. Since the prognosis for patients with oxalate nephropathy is poor, renal function should be closely monitored in patients who are at risk because of these disorders. Therapy should be directed at correcting malabsorption, steatorrhea and hyperoxaluria. When the renal function of patients with a jejunoileal bypass continues to decline despite intensive medical therapy, restoration of bowel continuity is strongly recommended.     

Root Carbon Dioxide Fixation by Phosphorus-Deficient Lupinus albus (Contribution to Organic Acid Exudation by Proteoid Roots)

When white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is subjected to P deficiency lateral root development is altered and densely clustered, tertiary lateral roots (proteoid roots) are initiated. These proteoid roots exude large amounts of citrate, which increases P solubilization. In the current study plants were grown with either 1 mM P (+P-treated) or without P (-P-treated). Shoots or roots of intact plants from both P treatments were labeled independently with 14CO2 to compare the relative contribution of C fixed in each with the C exuded from roots as citrate and other organic acids. About 25-fold more acid-stable 14C, primarily in citrate and malate, was recovered in exudates from the roots of -P-treated plants compared with +P-treated plants. The rate of in vivo C fixation in roots was about 4-fold higher in -P-treated plants than in +P-treated plants. Evidence from labeling intact shoots or roots indicates that synthesis of citrate exuded by -P-treated roots is directly related to nonphotosynthetic C fixation in roots. C fixed in roots of -P-treated plants contributed about 25 and 34% of the C exuded as citrate and malate, respectively. Nonphotosynthetic C fixation in white lupin roots is an integral component in the exudation of large amounts of citrate and malate, thus increasing the P available to the plant.     

Oxalate accumulation from citrate by Aspergillus niger

Carbon-14 was incorporated from citrate-1,5-¹⁴C, glyoxylate-¹⁴C(U), or glyoxylate-1-¹⁴C into oxalate by cultures of Aspergillus niger pregrown on a medium with glucose as the sole source of carbon. Glyoxylate-¹⁴C(U) was superior to glyoxylate-1-¹⁴C and citrate-1,5-¹⁴C as a source of incorporation. By addition of a great amount of citrate the accumulation of oxalate was accelerated and its maximum yield increased. In a cell-free extract from mycelium forming oxalate from citrate the enzyme oxaloacetate hydrolase (EC 3.7.1.1) was identified. Its in vitro activity per flask exceeded the rate of in vivo accumulation of oxalate. Glyoxylate oxidizing enzymes (glycolate oxidase, EC 1.1.3.1; glyoxylate oxidase, EC 1.2.3.5; NAD(P)-dependent glyoxylate dehydrogenase; glyoxylate dehydrogenase, CoA-oxalylating, EC 1.2.1.17) could not be detected in cell-free extracts. It is concluded that in cultures accumulating oxalate from citrate after pregrowth on glucose, oxalate arises by hydrolytic cleavage of oxaloacetate but not by oxidation of glyoxylate.Abbreviations Used DCPIP 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol