ISSN:
1432-2048
Keywords:
Key words: Calcium
;
Germination
;
Phytochrome
;
Signal transduction
;
Spirodela (germination)
;
Turion
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract. The light-dependent germination response of turions (resting fronds) is mediated by phytochrome and requires the presence of Ca2+ in the medium (K.-J. Appenroth and H. Augsten, 1990, Photochem. Photobiol. 52: 61–65). The Ca2+ requirement of germination is apparent only in the presence of exogenous Mg2+. A competitive ion antagonism was demonstrated between Ca2+ and Mg2+ in this physiological response; Mg2+ could also be replaced by Ba2+ or Sr2+. Without exog-enous Mg2+, a Ca2+ concentration as low as 0.9 μM fulfilled the Ca2+ requirement. This type of ion antagonism resembled the competitive Ca/Mg interaction reported previously for calcium-binding proteins. The physiological response was blocked by inhibitors of Ca2+ uptake (verapamil, La3+). It was concluded that uptake of Ca2+ from the external medium is an essential step in the phytochrome-mediated germination of turions. The results are in agreement with the assumption that the uptake of Ca2+ is blocked at the side of entry by other alkaline earth ions. Treatment of turions with Mg2+ (1 mM) for 24 h at varying times after the red light pulse in otherwise virtually Ca2+-free KNO3 solution resulted in a response similar to a Ca2+ step-down treatment. This is in agreement with the assumption that the Ca2+- and the Mg2+-sensitive periods coincide. The ion interaction described here represents the first photophysiological example in plants of an antagonistic effect between Ca2+ and Mg2+ similar to that which occurs in vitro with calmodulin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004250050596
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