SOME ASPECTS OF POTASSIUM LOSS FROM EXCISED BARLEY ROOTS

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Abstract
Summary: The process of efflux of potassium from excised barley roots was measured during 2 hours under different conditions of treatment. Under normal metabolic rates a rapid loss of potassium occurs during the first 40 minutes, followed thereafter by a very slow rate of loss. 10−5 M DNP not only increases the potassium loss but also alters the pattern of potassium efflux such that the efflux continues its rapid initial rate for 2 hours. The potassium loss during the rapid phase is metabolically dependent, but is not proportional to the total potassium absorbed. This indicates that under normal metabolic conditions, potassium loss is mainly from the cytoplasmic fraction. 10−2 M CaCl2 reduces the potassium loss more at 25° C than at I° C.