Plasmalemma and Tonoplast Influxes of Potassium in Barley Roots, and Interpretation of the Absorption Isotherm at High Concentrations

Abstract

Estimates of plasmalemma influx and steady-state vacuolar influx of potassium in low-salt barley roots have been obtained in the concentration range 10-80 mM by the use of controlled loading and washing times. Both fluxes are reduced by preloading the tissue in solutions containing potassium. When the experimental temperature is increased from 20 to 30°C, an apparent increase in the steady-state vacuolar influx occurs; separation of this flux from the apparent plasmalemma influx is not possible. The data support the hypothesis that the kinetics of potassium exchange in barley root tissue may be confounded by both loading time and temperature, and thus interpretation of the influx isotherm in the high concentration range is difficult. Where experiments are carried out at 20-25°C the steady- state vacuolar influx is measured unless closely defined experimental conditions obtain. At higher temperatures the plasmalemma influx may be measured.