Ionic Regulation for Cytokinin-dependent Betacyanin Synthesis in Amaranthus Seedlings

Potassium ions at low concentrations stimulate cytokinin-dependent betacyanin synthesis in Amaranthus tricolor seedlings more than other alkali metal ions when tested as the chloride salts. The sequence of relative stimulation is K(+) > Rb(+) > (Na(+) = Li(+)). Calcium and Mg(2+) ions are inhibitory at concentrations > 1 millimolar when tested as chlorides. Anions also have an effect on the degree of alkali metal stimulation in the order PO(4) (3-) > NO(3) (-) > Cl(-). The high activity of phosphate may be partly due to its chelating effect on inhibitory Ca(2+) ions, or to effects on K(+) uptake. A mixture of Na(+) and K(+) in the presence of phosphate is more effective than either cation alone. This result may be due either to effects on tyrosine transport or on the potassium uptake system. Phytochrome-dependent betacyanin synthesis shows the same stimulation by Na(+) plus K(+). The effect of a number of inhibitors of transport systems on betacyanin accumulation is reported. The possible role of the ionic environment of cells in their metabolic regulation is discussed, particularly in relation to cytokinin action.