Tissue Respiration and Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation of NaCl-Treated Pea Seedlings

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of sodium chloride added to root medium of pea seedlings on respiratory activity of tissue segments and on isolated mitochondria was studied. Salinization enhances the respiration of leaves about one-third on a fresh weight, dry weight or protein basis. Roots and stems show only 10 to 15% respiratory stimulation. The onset of respiratory increase in leaves roughly parallels the increase in NaCl content and the decrease in growth rate. At a later stage the elevated respiration is apparent in treated plants even though the concentration of NaCl reaches a plateau and osmotic adjustment is being reached. Stimulation of respiration was found in both etiolated and green plants. Experiments with DNP show that simple uncoupling by salt is not involved; the respiratory increase in control and treated tissue is proportionally the same.