title: Role of calcium in serine transport into tobacco cells.
abstract: The transport of serine into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Xanthi) cells grown in liquid medium was studied. Serine transport was maximal below pH 4.0. A time-dependent stimulation of transport was observed when cells were incubated in medium containing 0.5 mm Ca(2+). Maximum transport rates were achieved after 6 hours preincubation in Ca(2+). The following three distinct roles of Ca(2+) in serine transport were demonstrated: time-dependent stimulation of transport rate, maintenance of high transport rates, and retention of transported material. Stimulation occurred in the presence of either Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) and was inhibited by either La(3+) or K(+). Removal of Ca(2+) from the transport medium caused a rapid decline in the rate of serine uptake. This decline was prevented by addition of La(3+) after Ca(2+) removal. Cells transferred to medium lacking Ca(2+) lost substantial amounts of transported serine, this loss was significantly reduced by either La(3+) or K(+).Cells placed in (45)Ca(2+) rapidly bound more than 3 micromoles of Ca(2+)/gram fresh weight, which was exchangeable within 10 minutes with medium Ca(2+). Seventy-five per cent of the (45)Ca(2+) transported into the cells in 4 hours could be exchanged with medium Ca(2+) in the same period. The amount of net Ca(2+) transport into tobacco cells is insignificant relative to the total exchangeable Ca(2+).It is proposed that serine transport into tobacco cells involves H(+) cotransport and that the stimulation by Ca(2+) is due to an increase in the proton-motive force.
authors: Department of Botany, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701.
authors: I K
authors: IK
authors: Smith