Role of light in the synthesis of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in rice seedlings

1. In rice seedlings synthesis of methyl viologen-nitrite reductase was stimulated by light, as was that of NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.6.1). A small residual effect of light on the synthesis of the enzymes persisted in the dark for a short time. 2. In etiolated seedlings exposed to light and nitrate, a lag period of 3h was necessary before enzyme synthesis commenced, whereas in green seedlings kept in the dark for 36h, synthesis of both the enzymes started as soon as light and nitrate were provided. 3. Experiments with cycloheximide suggested that fresh protein synthesis in light was necessary for formation of active enzymes. Mere activation by light of inactive enzymes or their precursors, was not involved. 4. In green seedlings synthesis of nitrite reductase was more sensitive to chloramphenicol than that of nitrate reductase. In chloramphenicol-treated etiolated seedlings, however, synthesis of both the enzymes was inhibited to the same extent on subsequent light-treatment. 5. A close correlation was observed between inhibition of the Hill reaction by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and simazin 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine] (at high concentration) and the inhibition of enzyme synthesis. At lower concentrations, however, simazin stimulated nitrate reductase. 6. In a single leaf synthesis of enzymes was observed only in portions exposed to light, whereas little activity was present in the dark covered part. 7. CO(2) deprivation severely inhibited the synthesis of enzymes in the light. Sucrose could not reverse this effect. 8. In excised embryos cultured in synthetic media containing sucrose, light was also essential for enzyme formation. 9. It is suggested that redox changes taking place in the green tissues as a result of the Hill reaction create conditions favourable for the induced synthesis of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase.