title: Nitric oxide synthase activity is required for development of functional nodules in soybean.
abstract: 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.
authors: Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa.
authors: Jacobus
authors: J
authors: Leach
authors: Marshall
authors: M
authors: Keyster
authors: Morné
authors: M
authors: Du Plessis
authors: Ndiko
authors: N
authors: Ludidi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase