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Role of dark carbon dioxide fixation in root nodules of soybean. [Rhizobium japonicum]

Journal Article · · Plant Physiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6991268

The magnitude and role of dark Co/sub 2/ fixation were examined in nodules of intact soybean plants (Harosoy 63 x Rhizobium japonicum strain USDA 16). The estimated rate of nodule dark CO/sub 2/ fixation, based on a 2 minute pulse-feed with /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ under saturating conditions, was 102 micromoles per gram dry weight per hour. This was equivalent to 14% of net nodule respiration. Only 18% of this CO/sub 2/ fixation was estimated to be required for organic and amino acid synthesis for growth and export processes. The major portion (75-92%) of fixed label was released as CO/sub 2/ within 60 minutes. The labeling pattern during pulse-chase experiments was consistent with CO/sub 2/ fixation by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. During the chase, the greatest loss of label occurred in organic acids. Exposure of nodulated roots to Ar:O/sub 2/(80:20) did not affect dark CO/sub 2/ fixation, while exposure to O/sub 2/:CO/sub 2/(95:5) resulted in 54% inhibition. From these results, it was concluded that at least 66% of dark CO/sub 2/ fixation in soybean may be involved with the production of organic acids, which when oxidized would be capable of providing at least 48% of the requirement for ATP equivalents to support nitrogenase activity.

Research Organization:
Queen's Univ., Kingston, Ontario
OSTI ID:
6991268
Journal Information:
Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 81:1; ISSN PLPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English