Characterization of the low affinity transport system for NO(3)(-) uptake by Citrus roots

Three-month old citrange Troyer (hybrid of Citrus sinensis x Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were grown hydroponically and, after a period of NO(3)(-) starvation, plants were transferred to solutions enriched with K(15)NO(3) (96% atoms 15N excess) to measure 15NO(3)(-) uptake rates as a function of external 15NO(3)(-) concentrations. Two different NO(3)(-) uptake systems were found. Between 1 and 50 mM 15NO(3)(-) in the uptake solution medium, the uptake rate increased linearly due to the low affinity transport system (LATS). Nitrate reductase activity showed the same response to external [NO(3)(-)], and also appears to be regulated by the rate of nitrate uptake. Nitrate pre-treatments had a represive effect on NO(3)(-) uptake rate measured at 5 or 30 mM external [15NO(3)(-)]. The extent of the inhibition depended on the [NO(3)(-)] during the pre-treatment and in the uptake solution. These results suggest that the LATS of Citrus seedlings is under feedback control by the N status of the plant. Accordingly, addition of amino acids (Glu, Asp, Asn, Gln) to the uptake solution resulted in a decrease in 15NO(3)(-) uptake rate. However, the inactivation of nitrate reductase activity after treatment of the seedlings with either 100 or 500 µM WO(4)(2-) did not affect the activity of the LATS. Metabolic uncouplers, 2,4-DNP and KCN, reduced the uptake rate by 43.3% and 41.4% respectively at 5mM external [15NO(3)(-)]. However, these compounds had little effect when 15NO(3)(-) uptake was assayed at 30 mM external concentration. The ATPase inhibitors DCCD and DES reduced 15NO(3)(-) uptake by 68.8%-35.6%, at both external [15NO(3)(-)]. Nitrate uptake by the LATS declined with the increase of the solution pH beyond pH 4. The data presented are discussed in the context of the kinetics, energy dependence and regulation of NO(3)(-) uptake.