Ion Uptake and Phosphorylation in Mitochondria: Effect of Monovalent Ions

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Abstract
The accumulation of Mg and phosphate by mitochondria isolated from red beetroot tissue (Beta vulgaris) was studied. Improved techniques for the isolation of mitochondria from plant tissues and for the study of ion accumulation are described. High concentrations of monovalent anions and low concentrations of monovalent cations inhibited the accumulation of Mg and phosphate. Although accumulation of monovalent ions was not demonstrated the results have been interpreted as a competitive effect and as an indication of the nonspecific nature of ion accumulation. The severe inhibition by monovalent cations was taken as evidence for the primary role of cation movement in ion uptake. The results show the importance of considering the total ionic composition of the medium when studying uptake of particular ions.