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Root metabolic responses to short term anaerobiosis in the temperate sea grass Zostera marina L

Conference · · Plant Physiol., Suppl.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5271709
The submerged angiosperm Z. marina grows in highly reducing marine sediments. The roots experience periods of oxygen deprivation at night when photosynthesis-mediated oxygen transport from the shoot ceases. Despite this apparently inhospitable environment, Z. marina is extremely productive. This study sought to determine root metabolic responses to short term anaerobiosis. Roots were incubated for 4 h in the presence of /sup 14/C-sucrose. Amino acids and Krebs cycle intermediates were then extracted and label was quantified. Ethanol and lactate were the most heavily labeled metabolites following short term anaerobiosis. Despite increased synthesis of ethanol during anaerobiosis, endogenous levels do not increase significantly. Instead over 90% of newly synthesized ethanol is released by roots into the incubation medium. The authors conclude that release of ethanol by roots occurs naturally and prevents excessive accumulation of a potentially toxic product.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Chicago, IL
OSTI ID:
5271709
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Plant Physiol., Suppl.; (United States) Journal Volume: 80:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English