In search of the mechanism of nitrate inhibition of nitrogenase activity in legume nodules: Recent developments |
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| Authors: | J. Kevin Vessey John Waterer |
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| Affiliation: | Dept of Plant Science, Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T2N2. |
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| Abstract: | The mechanisms involved in the inhibition of nitrogenase activity in legume nodules by nitrate is unclear. This paper reviews and evaluates proposed mechanisms of this inhibition. Emphasis is placed on recent developments, which suggest that nitrate causes an O2 limitation of nitrogenase activity. Several mechanisms that involve a nitrate-induced increase in resistance to O3 diffusion in the nodule cortex are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Carbohydrate diffusion leghemoglobin nitrate nitrite nitrogen fixation nitrogenase nodule oxygen |
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