Growth, internal P concentration and Pi uptake was investigated in sterile cultures of Spirodela oligorrhiza (Kurz) Hegelm. and Lemna major L. plants during early P-deficiency. Within 12 h of transfer to a P-deficient medium, Pi uptake rates by P-deficient (- P) plants were enhanced 30-120% compared with P adequate (+ P) controls at 1-1000 �M external [Pi]. The enhancement in Pi uptake rates with P-deficiency normally preceded, and was more pronounced than, other effects of P-deficiency such as reduced growth, reduced internal [P] and appearance of visual symptoms. Enhanced Pi uptake rates in - P compared with +P plants resupplied with Pi was more closely correlated with a fall in the internal [Pi] (r = -0.93 to -0.98) than with a fall in the concentration of three other P fractions (i.e. ester P, lipid P, and residual P). The role of tissue [Pi] in Spirodela and Lemna plants as a possible determinant of Pi uptake rates is discussed. Kinetic analysis showed that enhanced Pi uptake in -P compared with + P plants resupplied with Pi was the result of a 2-4-fold increase in V*max of two first- order systems and not by an increased affinity (i.e. reduced K*m) of the carrier for the phosphate ion.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.