Uptake of Phosphate by White Clover

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Abstract
The effect of pH on the electrogenic phosphate pump in white clover roots was investigated. It was found that the pump operated between pH 3.5 and 8.0 with an optimum at 4.3. External pH changes affected phosphate uptake and PD to the same extent so that a constant relationship between them was maintained. The activity of the pump declined when the carbohydrate supply was cut off by excision of the root or defoliation of the plant but could be restored by lowering the pH around the root. It was concluded that the electrogenic phosphate pump could be driven by a pH gradient across the cell membrane. However, there did not appear to be a direct relationship between the operation of the pump and extrusion of H+ by the root.

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