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Sugar Uptake in Lily Pollen : A PROTON SYMPORT
J Deshusses1, S C Gumber, F A Loewus
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Lilium longiflorum pollen utilizes proton-sugar co-transport for nutrient uptake, with optimal activity at pH 5.0. This mechanism is crucial for energy and nutrient acquisition during pollen germination.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pollen germination requires efficient nutrient uptake.
- Understanding sugar transport mechanisms is vital for plant reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of sugar uptake in germinated *Lilium longiflorum* pollen.
- To characterize the kinetics and energetics of this transport process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized radioactive tracers ([U-(14)C]-sucrose and d-[U-(14)C] glucose) to measure sugar uptake.
- Analyzed initial uptake rates and pH changes.
- Assessed the effects of inhibitors and sugar competitors.
Main Results:
- Data support a proton-sucrose co-transport system.
- Optimal uptake observed at pH 5.0 with a K(m) of 1.7-1.8 mM.
- Energy of activation determined to be -11 kcal/mol.
Conclusions:
- Germinated *Lilium longiflorum* pollen exhibits a sucrose-type co-transport system.
- This co-transport is significant for nutrient supply during pollen germination.
- Pollen offers a valuable experimental system for studying sugar uptake.
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