Diffusion of Gases through Plant Tissues

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Abstract
Acetylene diffusion through plant tissues including nodules [from Rhizobium inoculations] from several species of legume was measured: vetch, peas, soybeans and Sesbania rostrata. The observed half-time for reequilibration of internal and external concentration is < 1 min for typical nodules. Inward diffusion of acetylene in air is rapid relative to the use of acetylene by nitrogenase so that diffusion of acetylene would not be a significant limiting factor for nitrogenase activity in air. Under an atmosphere of Ar:O2 where there is no N2 reduction, the inward diffusion rate of acetylene into larger nodules could produce a measurable limitation of observed nitrogenase activity at low acetylene concentrations.