At the roots of nutrition

Article Abstract:

Two new studies propose models for the molecular basis of nutrient uptake in plants. The first describe the DNA encoding a high-affinity phosphate-uptake transporter found in mychorrhizal fungi, which forms a symbiotic relationship with higher plants. The association enhances phosphate-uptake because it has high affinity for phosphate. The second study suggests that a non-selective monovalent cation current in the peribacteroid membrane increases the permeability of plant nitrogen-fixing root nodules to ammonium, thereby enhancing ammonium uptake.

Health aspects, Food and nutrition, Plants, Phosphates, Nitrogen-fixing plants, Plant nutrition

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A gene family of silicon transporters

Article Abstract:

Complementary DNAs (cDNA) encoding silicon transporters from the marine diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis have been isolated and functionally expressed. The cDNAs represent members of an undescribed gene family and help explain the molecular basis of silicon transport across biological membranes and cellular silicon processing. An open reading frame of 548 amino acids is revealed, with analysis indicating that it has 12 potential transmembrane regions.

Biological transport, Silicon, Antisense DNA

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Nitrate at the ion exchange

Article Abstract:

Studies have shown that the distinction between chloride channels (CLC) and ion exchangers is diminishing. Scientists find out that one function of the CLC exchangers is evidently to concentrate nitrate in plant vacuoles.

Science & research, California, Analysis, Adenosine triphosphate, ATP, Ion exchange, Hydrolysis, Chloride channels, Chemical properties, Vacuoles

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