Glutamine Transfer from Xylem to Phloem and Translocation to Developing Leaves of Populus deltoides

Abstract
The distribution of 14C from xylem-borne [14C]glutamine, the major N compound moving in xylem sap of cottonwood (P. deltoides Bartr. ex. Marsh), was followed in rapidly growing shoots with a combination of autoradiographic, microautoradiographic and radioassay techiques. Autoradiography and 14C analyses of tissues showed that xylem borne glutamine did not move with the transpiration stream into mature leaves. Most of it was transferred from xylem to phloem in the upper stem and then translocated to young developing tissues. Microautoradiography showed that metaxylem parenchyma, secondary xylem parenchyma and rays were the major areas of uptake from xylem vessels in the stem. Accumulation in phloem (high 14C concentrations in sieve tubes) took place in internodes subtending recently mature leaves. Little 14C from xylem-borne glutamine was found in pheloem of mature leaves, which indicates restricted retransport of glutamine that did enter the leaf. In the primary tissues of the upper stem, most 14C was found in the phloem. Cottonwood stems have an efficient uptake and transfer system that enhances glutamine movement to developing tissues of the upper stem.