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Isolation and partial characterization of nickel complexes in higher plants
1Division of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 89557.
Biological Trace Element Research
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Plants readily absorb nickel, an essential trace element. Studies reveal potato and alfalfa form a similar nickel complex in vivo, distinct from ionic nickel in polarity and charge.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Nickel is an essential trace element for plants.
- Plants readily absorb nickel from their environment.
- Understanding nickel's biochemical form in plants is crucial for plant physiology and environmental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast the biochemical properties of nickel complexes in potato and alfalfa with ionic nickel.
- To characterize the in vivo nickel complex found in plants.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing intrinsically labeled nickel in potato and alfalfa.
- Employing electrophoresis and ion exchange chromatography.
- Assessing the affinity of nickel complexes for cationic and anionic resins.
Main Results:
- Potato and alfalfa exhibit a similar in vivo nickel complex with an approximate molecular weight of 2200-2400 daltons.
- The plant nickel complex is less polar than ionic nickel.
- The complex consists mainly of a cationic species with a minor anionic component.
- Electrophoresis, ion exchange chromatography, and resin affinity studies confirmed the charge properties.
- No association of protein with the nickel complexes was detected.
Conclusions:
- Plants form a specific, characterized nickel complex in vivo.
- This complex differs significantly from ionic nickel in its biochemical properties.
- The findings contribute to understanding nickel uptake and speciation in plants.
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