Characteristics of ammonium absorption by excised root and leaf tissues of maize

Absorption of ammonium from solutions of ammonium chloride by maize ( Zea mays L. cv. GS-2) tissue was studied. In contrast to an initial rapid phase of absorption in root tissue, a one hour lag period was recorded in leaf tissue. The maximum rate of uptake was observed at 5–10 m M NH₄Cl in both tissues. Roots had a K_m value of 1.0 m M and V_max of 24.3 μmol ammonium (g fresh weight)⁻¹ h⁻¹, whereas the leaf tissue had a higher K_m (4.1 m M ) and a lower V_max (8.7 μmol). There was a concentration dependent increase in ethanol soluble and insoluble fractions of organic nitrogen during ammonium supply. The optimum pH for ammonium absorption for both tissues was 7.4. The optimal concentration of CaCl₂ for ammonium absorption was 5 m M whereas that of KCl was only 1 m M . In both tissues, the absorption was inhibited substantially by DCMU, DNP, cycloheximide, lincomycin, sodium tungstate, sodium arsenate and to some extent also by the anions nitrate and sulfate. It is suggested that a carrier is involved in an active uptake of ammonium in the leaf tissues.