Nitric oxide synthase activity is required for development of functional nodules in soybean.
The effects of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine) on soybean growth parameters and nodule functioning were investigated, along with soybean nodule cell viability and cysteine endopeptidase activity. N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine reduced soybean growth parameters, inhibited nodule nitrogenase activity, and caused a decrease in nodule cell viability. The negative effects of N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine were reversed by the nitric oxide donor 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono)bis-ethanimine. Cysteine endopeptidase activity was higher in plants treated with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine than untreated plants (controls), but decreased to levels similar to the controls when plants were exposed to a combination of N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine and 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono)bis-ethanimine. These results suggest that nitric oxide, resulting from nitric oxide synthase activity, is required for development of functional soybean nodules.
Leach
Jacobus
J
Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa.
Keyster
Marshall
M
Du Plessis
Morné
M
Ludidi
Ndiko
N
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation; D053204:Root Nodules, Plant / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D013025:Glycine max / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase