The Effect of Low Temperature on Phosphate Esterification and Cell Membrane Permeability in Tomato Fruit and Cabbage Leaf Tissue

Abstract

Exposure to O�C for 4 weeks caused a threefold increase in cell membrnno permeability of mature-green tomato fruits (susceptible to chilling injury) hut had no effect on that of cabbage leaves (not susceptible). While tomato fruits chilled for 12 days lost two-thirds of their capacity to esterify phosphate at 20�0, a steady rise in this capacity occurred during chilling of cabbage leaves for 5 weeks. In tomato fruits the rate of phosphate esterification at the chilling temperature fell in 12 days to about one-half of the rate at the commencement of chilling .. It is suggested that the characteristic symptoms of chilling injury in mature-green tomato fruits, viz. increased susceptibility to fungal attack and loss of the capacity to ripen normally. may result from an energy deficit caused by a chilling. induced reduction in the phosphorylative capacity of the tissue.

Effects of Low Temperature Storage of Tomato Fruits on Acid‐soluble Nucleotides

“…In chilled tissue the measurable amounts are likely to be closely related t o the actual concentrations, since increased membrane permeability (Lewis and Workman, 1964) would result in dispersion of previously compartmentalized substances.…”

“…Small changes occurring in total extractable nucleotides probably reflect very large alterations at the site of utilization in intact cells. In chilled tissue the measurable amounts are likely to be closely related t o the actual concentrations, since increased membrane permeability (Lewis and Workman, 1964) would result in dispersion of previously compartmentalized substances.…”

“…A decline in phosphorylative capacity of mitochondria has been demonstrated in chilled sweet potatoes (Lieberman et al, 1958;Uritani et al, 1971), tomatoes (Lewis and Workman, 1964) and grapefruit (Pantastico et al, 1968). However, quantitative measurements of ATP in grapefruit and snapbean fruits indicate a decline in concentrations only after 2 wk of chilling temperature exposure (Vakis et al, 197 1 ;Watada, 1969).…”

Leucine uptake by tomato leaf tissue under low temperature: Preincubation dependence of uptake reduction

“…Alternatively loss could be attributed to a progressive decline in energy supply for uptake. Most studies on energy levels in cells have been on material chilled for long periods (Lewis andWorkman 1964, Stewart andGuinn 1971) and hence do not give an indication for the period considered here. Wilson (1978) found a decline in ATP levels only after visible leaf injury due to chilling was evident.…”

Oxalacetate Synthesis in Apples and Bananas at Low Temperatures

“…Phase changes in mitochondrial membranes (Raison et al 1971), changes in permeability of membranes (Lewis and Workman 1964) and accumulations of acetaldehyde, ethanol, a-keto acids (Murata 1969) and a-farnesene (Wills et al 1975) have been reported. There is also evidence of abnormal changes in some specific respiratory enzymes.…”