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. 1987 Jun;84(2):472–475. doi: 10.1104/pp.84.2.472

In Vitro Sugar Transport in Zea mays L. Kernels 1

II. Characteristics of Sugar Absorption and Metabolism by Isolated Developing Embryos

Stephen M Griffith 1,2, Robert J Jones 1,2, Mark L Brenner 1,2
PMCID: PMC1056605  PMID: 16665464

Abstract

In vitro sugar transport into developing isolated maize embryos was studied. Embryo fresh and dry weight increased concomitantly with endogenous sucrose concentration and glucose uptake throughout development. However, endogenous glucose and fructose concentration and sucrose uptake remained constant. The uptake kinetics of radiolabeled sucrose, glucose, and fructose showed a biphasic dependence on exogenous substrate concentration. Hexose uptake was four to six times greater than sucrose uptake throughout development. Carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone and dinitrophenol inhibited sucrose and glucose uptake significantly, but 3-O-methyl glucose uptake was less affected. The uptake of 1 millimolar sucrose was strongly pH dependent while glucose was not. Glucose and fructose were readily converted to sucrose and insoluble products soon after absorption into the embryo. Thus, sucrose accumulated, while glucose pools remained low. Based on the findings of this and other studies a model for sugar transport in the developing maize kernel is presented.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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