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Polyphosphate dynamics in mycorrhizal roots during colonization of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

Ryo Ohtomo1, Masanori Saito

  • 1National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, 768 Senbon-matsu, Nasu-shiobara, Tochigi, 329-2793 Japan. rotm@affrc.go.jp

The New Phytologist
|July 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) supply plants with phosphate (Pi) via inorganic polyphosphate (poly P). Poly P length shortens during transfer, and its content indicates AMF

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Plant Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P) is a potential phosphate (Pi) carrier in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).
  • Understanding poly P dynamics is crucial for AMF-host nutrient exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in poly P content during AMF colonization.
  • To determine the role of poly P in Pi transport from AMF to host plants.

Main Methods:

  • Onion (Allium cepa) plants were colonized with Gigaspora margarita for 2-8 weeks.
  • Poly P was extracted, purified by gel filtration, and quantified using polyphosphate kinase activity.
  • Poly P chain length was analyzed in roots, hyphae, and spores.

Main Results:

  • Poly P content increased with AMF colonization and correlated with root biomass.
  • Poly P in mycorrhizal roots was shorter than in extraradical hyphae or spores.
  • AMF depolymerize poly P before Pi transfer to the host.

Conclusions:

  • AMF likely supply Pi to host plants via a poly P pool.
  • Poly P content serves as a reliable indicator of AMF's Pi-supplying capacity.

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