Acclimatization of K+ uptake to changes in root temperature: experiments with oilseed rape and barley in flowing solution culture

Abstract Changes in the net uptake rate of K⁺ and in the average tissue concentration of K⁺ were measured over 14 d in response to changes in root temperature with oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. Bien venu) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Atem). Plants were grown in flowing nutrient solutions containing 2.5 mmol m^?3 K⁺ and were acclimatized over 49 d (rape) or 28 d (barley) to low root temperature (5°C) prior to steady–state treatments at root temperatures between 3 °C and 25 °C, with common air temperature. Uptake of K⁺ was monitored continuously over 14 d and nitrogen was supplied as NH₄⁺+ NO^?₃ or NH⁺₄ or NO^?₃. Unit absorption rates of K⁺ increased with time and with root temperature up to Day 4 or 5 following the change in root temperature. Thereafter they usually approached steady-state, with Q₁₀? 2.0 between 7 °C and 17°C, although rates became similar between 7 °C and 13°C. Uptake of K⁺ by rape plants was invariably greater under NO^?₃ nutrition compared with NH⁺₄. The percentage K⁺ in the plant dry matter increased with temperature from 2% at 3 °C to 4% at 25 °C in rape, but there was less effect of temperature on the average concentrations of K⁺ in the plant fresh weight or plant water content. Concentrations of K⁺ in the leaf water fraction of rape plants decreased with increasing root temperature, but in barley they increased with increasing root temperature. Concentrations of K⁺ in the root water fraction were relatively stable with respect to root temperature. The results are discussed in terms of compensatory changes in K⁺ uptake following a change in root temperature and the relationships between growth, shoot: root ratio and K⁺ composition of the plant.     

Potassium‐induced decrease in cytosolic Na+ alleviates deleterious effects of salt stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

• Accumulation of NaCl in soil causes osmotic stress in plants, and sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) cause ion toxicity, but also reduce the potassium (K⁺) uptake by plant roots and stimulate the K⁺ efflux through the cell membrane. Thus, decreased K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in plant tissue lead us to hypothesise that elevated levels of K⁺ in nutrient medium enhance this ratio in plant tissue and cytosol to improve enzyme activation, osmoregulation and charge balance.
• In this study, wheat was cultivated at different concentrations of K⁺ (2.2, 4.4 or 8.8 mm ) with or without salinity (1, 60 or 120 mm NaCl) and the effects on growth, root and shoot Na⁺ and K⁺ distribution and grain yield were determined. Also, the cytosolic Na⁺ concentration was investigated, as well as photosynthesis rate and water potential.
• Salinity reduced fresh weight of both shoots and roots and dry weight of roots. The grain yield was significantly reduced under Na⁺ stress and improved with elevated K⁺ fertilisation. Elevated K⁺ level during cultivation prevented the accumulation of Na⁺ into the cytosol of both shoot and root protoplasts. Wheat growth at vegetative stage was transiently reduced at the highest K⁺ concentration, perhaps due to plants' efforts to overcome a high solute concentration in the plant tissue, nevertheless grain yield was increased at both K⁺ levels.
• In conclusion, a moderately elevated K⁺ application to wheat seedlings reduces tissue as well as cytosolic Na⁺ concentration and enhances wheat growth and grain yield by mitigating the deleterious effects of Na⁺ toxicity.

     

Evidence that arbuscular mycorrhizal and phosphate-solubilizing fungi alleviate NaCl stress in the halophyte Kosteletzkya virginica: nutrient uptake and ion distribution within root tissues

The effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus mosseae, and a phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM), Mortierella sp., and their interactions, on nutrient (N, P and K) uptake and the ionic composition of different root tissues of the halophyte Kosteletzkya virginica (L.), cultured with or without NaCl, were evaluated. Plant biomass, AM colonization and PSM populations were also assessed. Salt stress adversely affected plant nutrient acquisition, especially root P and K, resulting in an important reduction in shoot dry biomass. Inoculation of the AM fungus or/and PSM strongly promoted AM colonization, PSM populations, plant dry biomass, root/shoot dry weight ratio and nutrient uptake by K. virginica, regardless of salinity level. Ion accumulation in root tissues was inhibited by salt stress. However, dual inoculation of the AM fungus and PSM significantly enhanced ion (e.g., Na⁺, Cl^?, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) accumulation in different root tissues, and maintained lower Na⁺/K⁺ and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratios and a higher Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio, compared to non-inoculated plants under 100 mM NaCl conditions. Correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated that plant (shoot or root) dry biomass correlated positively with plant nutrient uptake and ion (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Cl^?) concentrations of different root tissues, and correlated negatively with Na⁺/K⁺ ratios in the epidermis and cortex. Simultaneously, root/shoot dry weight ratio correlated positively with Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios in most root tissues. These findings suggest that combined AM fungus and PSM inoculation alleviates the deleterious effects of salt on plant growth by enabling greater nutrient (e.g., P, N and K) absorption, higher accumulation of Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Cl^? in different root tissues, and maintenance of lower root Na⁺/K⁺ and higher Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios when salinity is within acceptable limits.     

Sodium and potassium compartmentation and transport in the roots of intact lettuce plants

In this report, we consider the accumulation in roots, and transport to the shoot, of Na⁺ and K⁺ in intact lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa cv Black-seeded Simpson). Plants were grown in modified Hoagland medium supplemented with 10 moles NaCl per cubic meter. At this salinity, significant levels of Na⁺ were accumulated in roots and shoots, but there was no reduction in plant growth. Transport characteristics for both Na⁺ and K⁺ were qualitatively similar to those previously reported, for Spergularia marina, indicating that the results obtained with these experimental protocols are not limited to one unconventional experimental plant. The most pronounced difference in transport of the two ions was evident when transport was followed in a chase period after a 10 minute uptake pulse. For Na⁺, there was an initially rapid, but small, loss of label to the medium, and very little movement to the shoot. For K⁺, little label was lost from the plants, but translocation to the shoot proceeded for at least 60 minutes. The transport systems were further distinguished by treating the roots during labeling with 20 micrograms per milliliter cycloheximide. For K⁺, both uptake and translocation were reduced by about 50%. For Na⁺, root accumulation was stimulated more than five-fold, while transport to the shoot was reduced about 20%. Cycloheximide also modified the Na⁺ transport characteristics such that continued translocation occurred during the chase period of pulse-chase studies.     

Root high-affinity K+ and Cs+ uptake and plant fertility in tomato plants are dependent on the activity of the high-affinity K+ transporter SlHAK5

Root K⁺ acquisition is a key process for plant growth and development, extensively studied in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Because important differences may exist among species, translational research supported by specific studies is needed in crops such as tomato. Here we present a reverse genetics study to demonstrate the role of the SlHAK5 K⁺ transporter in tomato K⁺ nutrition, Cs⁺ accumulation and its fertility. slhak5 KO lines, generated by CRISPR-Cas edition, were characterized in growth experiments, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ uptake tests and root cells K⁺-induced plasma membrane depolarizations. Pollen viability and its K⁺ accumulation capacity were estimated by using the K⁺-sensitive dye Ion Potassium Green 4. SlHAK5 is the major system for high-affinity root K⁺ uptake required for plant growth at low K⁺, even in the presence of salinity. It also constitutes a pathway for Cs⁺ entry in tomato plants with a strong impact on fruit Cs⁺ accumulation. SlHAK5 also contributes to pollen K⁺ uptake and viability and its absence produces almost seedless fruits. Knowledge gained into SlHAK5 can serve as a model for other crops with fleshy fruits and it can help to generate tools to develop low Cs⁺ or seedless fruits crops.     

Changes in the Light Scattering by Symbiosomes from Vicia faba Root Nodules as Indicator of Ion and Metabolite Transport across the Peribacteroid Membrane

Passive transport of ions and metabolites across the peribacteroid membrane (PBM) was investigated on symbiosome preparations isolated from the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) root nodules and suspended in a potassium-free medium. Optical density of the symbiosome suspension at 546 nm was monitored as an indicator of light-scattering changes. Depolarization of the PBM with tetraphenylphosphonium cation (TPP⁺) caused an increase in light scattering of symbiosome suspension. This effect was enhanced after adding a K⁺ ionophore valinomycin to the incubation medium. A similar effect was observed after supplementing the symbiosome suspension with nigericin, a K⁺/H⁺ antiporter. Similar experiments on bacteroid suspensions prepared from isolated symbiosomes did not reveal any appreciable changes in light scattering in the presence of the same membrane-active substances. The light scattering by symbiosome suspensions decreased after adding malate or succinate, while the subsequent addition of centimolar concentrations of K⁺ substantially accelerated this process. Light scattering by the symbiosome suspension was insensitive to the addition of glutamate, a substance normally impermeant through the PBM of legume root nodules. These results suggest that the changes in light scattering by symbiosomes reflect the osmotically induced changes of symbiosome volume. These volume changes were assigned to alteration of the peribacteroid space (PBS). The incubation of symbiosomes in a potassium-free medium acidified their the PBS; this acidification was accelerated by valinomycin, carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), and nigericin, and it was abolished in the presence of comparatively high concentrations of K⁺ in the incubation medium. The results indicate a relatively high permeability of the PBM to K⁺ ions.     

Identification and characterization of inward K+ -channels in plasma membranes ofArabidopsis root cortex cells

Patch clamping whole-cell recording techniques were applied to study the inward K⁺ -channels inArabidopsis root cortex cells. The inward K⁺ -channels in the plasma membranes of the root cortex cell protoplasts were activated by hyperpolarized membrane potentials. The channels were highly selective for K⁺ ions over Na⁺ ions. The channel activity was significantly inhibited by the external TEA⁺ or Ba²⁺. The changes in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentrations did not affect the whole-cell inward K⁺ -currents. The possible association between the channel selectivity to K⁺ and Na⁺ ions and plant salt-tolerance was also discussed.     

Boron induces hyperpolarization of sunflower root cell membranes and increases membrane permeability to k

Although many studies have alluded to a role for boron (B) in membrane function, there is little evidence for a direct effect of B on the plasmalemma of higher plant cells. These studies were conducted to demonstrate, by electrophysiological techniques, a direct effect of B on the membrane potential (E_m) of sunflower (Helianthus annuus [L.], cv Mammoth Grey Stripe) root tip cells and to determine if the response to B occurs rapidly enough to account for the previously observed effects of B on ion uptake. By inserting a glass microelectrode into an individual cell in the root tip, the E_m of the cell was determined in basal salt medium (BSM), pH 6.0. The perfusion solution surrounding the root tissue was then changed to BSM + 50 micromolar H₃BO₃, pH 6.0. The exposure to B induced a significant plasmalemma hyperpolarization in sunflower root cells within 20 minutes. After just 3 minutes of exposure to B, the change in E_m was already significantly different from the negligible change in E_m observed over time in root cells never exposed to B. Membrane hyperpolarization could be caused by a stimulation of the proton pump or by a change in the conductance of one or more permeable ions. Since B has been shown to affect K⁺ uptake by plants, the electrophysiological techniques described above were used to determine if B has an effect on membrane permeability to K⁺, and could thereby lead to an increased diffusion potential. When sunflower root tips were pretreated in 50 micromolar B for 2 hours, cell membranes exhibited a significantly greater depolarization with each 10-fold increase in external [K⁺] than minus-B cells. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the depolarization due to increased external [K⁺] was also significantly greater when tissue was exposed to B at the same time as the 10-fold increase in [K⁺], indicating that the effect of B on K⁺ permeability was immediate. Analysis of sunflower root tips demonstrated that treatment in 50 micromolar B caused a significantly greater accumulation of K⁺ after 48 hours. The B-induced increase in K⁺ uptake may cause a subsequent stimulation of the H⁺-ATPase (proton pump) and lead to the observed hyperpolarization of root cell membranes. Alternatively, B may stimulate the proton pump, with the subsequent hyperpolarization resulting in an increased driving force for K⁺ influx.     

Interactions among Ca2+, Na+ and K+ in salinity toxicity: quantitative resolution of multiple toxic and ameliorative effects

Root elongation by wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Scout 66) was not inhibited by NaCl or KCl up to 130 mM in culture solutions or by high Na⁺ (2 mg g^-1 FW) or K⁺ (4 mg g^-1 FW) in the root tissue, provided that [Ca²⁺]>2 mM in the rooting medium. At [NaCl], [KCl], or [mannitol] >250 mOs, root elongation was progressively inhibited, irrespective of high [Ca²⁺]. In contrast, shoot elongation was sensitive to any diminution of water potential, and Ca²⁺ alleviated the toxicity only weakly. At solute concentrations <250 mOs, the following interactions were observed. Ca²⁺ alleviated Na⁺ and K⁺ toxicity to roots by at least three separate mechanisms. K⁺ was more toxic to roots than Na⁺, but Na⁺ was more toxic to shoots. Low levels of K⁺ relieved Na⁺ toxicity, but low levels of Na⁺ enhanced K⁺ toxicity. Tissue concentrations of Na⁺ were reduced by Ca²⁺ and K⁺ in the rooting medium, and tissue concentrations of K⁺ were enhanced by Ca²⁺ and Na⁺. Several hypotheses relating to salinity toxicity can be evaluated, at least for wheat seedlings. The osmoticant hypotheses (salinity intoxication occurs because of diminished water potential) is true for shoots at all salinity levels, but is true for roots only at high salinity. The Ca²⁺-displacement hypothesis (Na⁺ is toxic because it displaced Ca²⁺ from the cell surface) is correct, but often of minor importance. The K⁺-depletion hypothesis (Na⁺ is toxic because it causes a loss of K⁺ from plant tissues) is false. The Cl^--toxicity hypothesis (the apparent toxicity of Na⁺ is induced by associated Cl^-) is false. The results indicate that, apart from osmotic effects, high levels of Na⁺ in the rooting medium and in the tissues are not toxic unless Ca²⁺ is also deficient, a condition probably leading to inadequate compartmentation and excessive cytoplasmic accumulation. This study related growth to ion activities at plasma-membrane surfaces. These activities were computed by a Gouy-Chapman-Stern model then incorporated into non-linear growth models for growth versus toxicants and ameliorants.Key words: Calcium, potassium, salinity, sodium, toxicity      

Control of Na+ and K+ transport in Spergularia manrina. II. Effects of plant size, tissue ion contents and root-shoot ratio at moderate salinity

In this paper we continue our analysis of Na⁺ and K⁺ uptake in vegetative Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. plants growing on 0.2x sea water in solution culture. We consider the relationships between isotope uptake and plant size, root: shoot ratio (RSR) and total ion contents, both individually (with the linear effects of time removed) and in combinations through stepwise multiple linear regression. The results differ from those of other studies, representing in our case inherent variability in a homogeneous population under steady-state growth conditions. The results were broadly similar for ²²Na⁺ and ⁴²K⁺. Total uptake was significantly and negatively correlated with RSR and root weight (W_r), and positively with root K⁺ content (K_r). These 3 variables were mutually correlated, however, and this was reflected in the multiple analyses as a reduction or loss of significance of one or more of the measures. Transport to the shoot was very highly correlated with total uptake (r² > 0.99 for both isotopes), resulting in nearly identical regression results. In multiple regression analyses of root data alone, accumulation was related only to root contents, but in a manner inconsistent with the allosteric regulation hypothesis, the most significant correlation being positive with K_r. The results were nearly identical for the two isotopes. The results were not consistent with a single factor regulatory system involving only initial root plamalemma ion influx. The observed Na⁺-K⁺ and root-shoot balances seem to require at least involvement of symplast-to-medium and symplast-to-xylem transport steps. Though the biochemical and biophysical signalling and transduction steps are not known, a physiological working hypothesis is presented, in which the positive correlation of uptake with root contents is balanced by a negative feedback signal deriving from plant size and by the diluting effects of growth. Considered over the vegetative period, these would produce the observed stability of plant contents during growth. The negative interaction with RSR is postulated to manifest the integrating system required to deliver ions to the shoot at the required rates.     

高盐胁迫对罗布麻生长及离子平衡的影响

采用网室盆栽试验,研究了不同浓度NaCl（100～400 mmol·L^-1）胁迫30 d对罗布麻植株生物量积累、生长速率、根系活力、盐分和矿质离子吸收、分布等的影响.结果表明：100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl处理30 d,罗布麻植株鲜质量和生长速率显著下降,但对其干质量没有影响;随着盐度的增加,罗布麻植株干质量、鲜质量和生长速率均显著降低.100～200 mmol·L^-1 NaCl胁迫下,罗布麻根系活力明显高于对照;300～400 mmol·L^-1 NaCl盐胁迫下,其活力显著降低.随着盐浓度的增加,罗布麻根、茎和叶片Na⁺含量逐渐增加、K⁺含量缓慢降低;叶片Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺含量明显降低,茎部Ca²⁺和根部Mg²⁺含量有不同程度的增加.盐胁迫明显降低了罗布麻根、茎和叶片K⁺/Na⁺、Ca²⁺/Na⁺和Mg²⁺/Na⁺的比率,植株选择性吸收和运输K⁺、Ca²⁺的能力显著提高.罗布麻植株很强的拒盐能力,以及对K⁺、Ca²⁺的选择性吸收和运输是其具有高盐适应性的主要原因.     

Acclimation of potassium influx in rye (Secale cereale) to low root temperatures

The influx of K⁺(⁸⁶Rb⁺) into intact roots of rye (Secale cereale L. cv. Rheidal) exposed to a differential temperature (DT) between the root (8° C) and shoot (20° C) is initially reduced compared with warm-grown (WG) controls with both shoot and root maintained at 20° C. Over a period of 3 d, however, K⁺-influx rates into DT plants are restored to levels similar to or greater than those of the WG controls, the absolute rates of K⁺ influx being strongly dependent upon the shoot/root ratio. Acclimation in DT plants results in a reduction of K⁺ influx into the apical (0–2 cm) region of the seminal root which is associated with a compensatory increase in K⁺ influx into the more mature, basal regions of the root. Values of V _max and apparent K _m for K⁺ influx into DT plants were similar to those for WG plants at assay temperatures of 8° C and 20° C except for an increase in the apparent K _m at 8° C. The influx of K⁺ from solutions containing 0.6 mol·m^-3 K⁺ into both WG and DT plants was found to be linearly related to assay temperature over the range 2–27° C, and the temperature sensitivity of K⁺ influx to be dependent upon shoot/root ratio. At high shoot/root ratios, the ratio of K⁺ influx at 20° C:K⁺ influx at 8° C for WG plants approached a minimum value of 1.9 whereas that for DT plants approached unity indicating that K⁺ influx into DT plants has a large temperature-insensitive component. Additionally, when plants were grown in solutions of low potassium concentration, K⁺ influx into DT plants was consistently greater than that into WG plants, in spite of having a greater root potassium concentration ([K⁺]int). This result indicates some change in the regulation of K⁺ influx by [K⁺]int in plants exposed to low root temperatures. We suggest that K⁺ influx into rye seedlings exposed to low root temperatures is regulated by the increased demand placed on the root system by a proportionally larger shoot and that the acclimation of K⁺ influx to low temperatures may be the result of an increased hydraulic conductivity of the root system.Abbreviations DT differential temperature pretreatment - [K⁺]int root potassium concentration - [K⁺]ext potassium concentration of nutrient medium - WG warm-grown pretreatment     

Proton efflux from corn roots induced by tripropyltin

Tripropyltin restores medium acidification by washed corn root tissue in which electrogenic H⁺ efflux has been blocked by ATPase inhibitors or injury. However, the restored H⁺ efflux is not electrogenic and will not drive K⁺ influx, and, by itself, tripropyltin is inhibitory to K⁺ influx. Tripropyltin elicits a 5-fold increase in endogenous chloride efflux, and Cl⁻/OH⁻ exchange can, thus, account for the observed acidification of the medium. This explanation cannot be applied equally to the acidification produced by the K⁺/H⁺ exchanging ionophore nigericin.     

Plasmalemma redox activity and h extrusion in roots of fe-deficient cucumber plants

Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) with incipient Fe deficiency showed increased root capacity to reduce chelated Fe³⁺ compared to Fe-sufficient plants. When Fe-ethylenediaminete-traacetate was added to the root medium of the Fe-deficient plants, the reductase activity was associated with acidification of the medium and an increase in the net apparent K⁺ efflux. In the presence of the H⁺-ATPase inhibitor N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide the net apparent H⁺ efflux was completely suppressed, though some reductase activity was preserved, and the net apparent K⁺ efflux was significantly increased. The inhibition of the reductase activity by N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide was similar whether the pH of the medium was buffered or not. Anoxia and the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone also caused a similar inhibition of the reductase activity. It is proposed that this redox system transports electrons only and that its activity is inhibited by plasmamembrane depolarization and anoxia. The H⁺ and K⁺ efflux associated with the reductase activity may be a result of the plasmamembrane depolarization it causes.     

Coordination of AtHKT1;1 and AtSOS1 facilitates Na+ and K+ homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana under salt stress

Reducing Na⁺ accumulation and maintaining K⁺ stability in plant is one of the key strategies for improving salt tolerance. AtHKT1;1 and AtSOS1 are not only the salt tolerance determinants themselves, but also mediate K⁺ uptake and transport indirectly. To assess the contribution of AtHKT1;1 and AtSOS1 to Na⁺ homeostasis and K⁺ nutrition in plant, net Na⁺ and K⁺ uptake rate, Na⁺ and K⁺ distributions in Arabidopsis thaliana wild type (WT), hkt1;1 mutant (athkt1;1) and sos1 mutant (atsos1) were investigated. Results showed that under 2.5 mM K⁺ plus 25 or 100 mM NaCl, athkt1;1 shoot concurrently accumulated more Na⁺ and less K⁺ than did WT shoot, suggesting that AtHKT1;1 was critical for controlling Na⁺ and K⁺ distribution in plant; while atsos1 root accumulated more Na⁺ and absorbed lower K⁺ than did WT root, implying that AtSOS1 was determiner of Na⁺ excretion and K⁺ acquisition. Under 0.01 mM K⁺, athkt1;1 absorbed lower Na⁺ than did WT with 100 mM NaCl, suggesting that AtHKT1;1 is involved in Na⁺ uptake in roots; while atsos1 shoot accumulated less Na⁺ than did WT shoot no matter with 25 or 100 mM NaCl, implying that AtSOS1 played a key role in controlling long-distance Na⁺ transport from root to shoot. We present a model in which coordination of AtHKT1;1 and AtSOS1 facilitates Na⁺ and K⁺ homeostasis in A. thaliana under salt stress: under the normal K⁺, the major function of AtHKT1;1 is Na⁺ unloading and AtSOS1 is mainly involved in Na⁺ exclusion, whereas under the low K⁺, AtHKT1;1 may play a dominant role in Na+ uptake and AtSOS1 may be mainly involved in Na⁺ loading into the xylem.     

Effects of Cr on proton extrusion, potassium uptake and transmembrane electric potential in maize root segments

Abstract Proton extrusion of maize root Zea mays segments, was inhibited by the presence of Cr (o.n. + 6; present in solution as CrO₄^2-, Cr₂O₇^2-) in the incubation medium: the minimum inhibiting concentration was 2 × 10^?3 mol m^?3 and the inhibition progressively increased with Cr concentration. Cr inhibited proton extrusion. Also, when this activity was stimulated by the presence of K⁺ or fusicoccin (FC) in the incubation medium, the K⁺ and FC stimulating effect was still present when proton extrusion was inhibited by Cr. In addition, Cr inhibited K⁺ uptake. This inhibition was higher (50%) at K⁺ concentrations up to 1 mol m^?3 lower (15%) at higher K⁺ concentrations. This result indicates that the system responsible for K⁺ uptake operating at low K⁺ concentrations is more sensitive to Cr inhibition. Cr had no effect on transmembrane electric potential (PD). The depolarizing and hyper-polarizing effect of K+ and FC, respectively, were not affected by Cr; but Cr enhances the depolarizing effect of the uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCP). These results indicate that Cr inhibited the proton translocating mechanism coupled with K⁺ uptake, but did not change the net transport of charges through the plasmalemma. The Cr effect is discussed, taking into account the possibility of a direct effect of Cr at the membrane level or, alternatively, of an effect on some metabolic processes controlling membrane function.     

A putative role for the plasma membrane potential in the control of the expression of the gene encoding the tomato high-affinity potassium transporter HAK5

A chimeric CaHAK1–LeHAK5 transporter with only 15 amino acids of CaHAK1 in the N-terminus mediates high-affinity K⁺ uptake in yeast cells. Kinetic and expression analyses strongly suggest that LeHAK5 mediates a significant proportion of the high-affinity K⁺ uptake shown by K⁺-starved tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. The development of high-affinity K⁺ uptake, putatively mediated by LeHAK5, was correlated with increased LeHAK5 mRNA levels and a more negative electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of root epidermal and cortical cells. However, this increase in high-affinity K⁺ uptake was not correlated with the root K⁺ content. Thus, (i) growth conditions that result in a hyperpolarized root plasma membrane potential, such as K⁺ starvation or growth in the presence of NH₄ ⁺, but which do not decrease the K⁺ content, lead to increased LeHAK5 expression; (ii) the presence of NaCl in the growth solution, which prevents the hyperpolarization induced by K⁺ starvation, also prevents LeHAK5 expression. Moreover, once the gene is induced, depolarization of the plasma membrane potential then produces a decrease in the LeHAK5 mRNA. On the basis of these results, we propose that the plant membrane electrical potential plays a role in the regulation of the expression of this gene encoding a high-affinity K⁺ transporter.     

The molecular basis of potassium nutrition in plants

Over the last five years, the cloning and characterization of K⁺ transport genes corresponding to K⁺ channels (KAT1, AKT1, KST1, AKT2), associated subunits (KAB1) and a high-affinity transporter (HKT1) has opened up important new avenues for research on plant K⁺ nutrition. With the abundance of molecular data now available it seems timely to link this information with the wealth of data previously accumulated on the physiology of plant K⁺ acquisition. The ultimate goal of all this research is to gain a better understanding of K⁺ transport and nutrition in the intact plant. Thus it is important to begin to integrate the molecular research with results from biochemical and physiological research conducted at the cellular, root and whole plant levels. This article will focus on describing the features of the cloned K⁺ transporters and their possible roles in mediating high- and low-affinity K⁺ uptake from the soil, as well as how K⁺ acquisition may be regulated.Abbreviations NEM N-ethyl maleimide - PCMBS p-chloromercuribenzene sulphonic acid