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. 1978 Nov;62(5):693–695. doi: 10.1104/pp.62.5.693

Effect of l-Canavanine on Nitrate Reductase in Corn Roots 1

Muhammad Aslam 1,2, Ann Oaks 1,3, Ingrid Boesel 1
PMCID: PMC1092201  PMID: 16660586

Abstract

l-Canavanine inhibits the appearance of nitrate reductase (NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.1) in both root tips and mature root sections of corn (Zea mays L.). Ten-fold more canavanine was required to cause a 50% reduction in the level of nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in root tips than in mature root sections. For example with one particular batch of seeds 500 μm canavanine was effective in root tips whereas only 50 μm was required in mature root sections. In root tips arginine (1 mm) completely reversed the effect of 1 mm canavanine. In mature root sections higher concentrations of arginine (approximately 5 mm) were required for a complete reversal of the canavanine effect. Additions of canavanine to roots after a period of 3 hours with 5 mm KNO3 resulted in a loss of NRA. NO3− protected nitrate reductase from this inactivation in both root tip and mature root sections.

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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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