Cellular Uptake Process

CELLULAR ION UPTAKE PROCESSES

• SO42- : disrupt nitrogen metabolism
: accumulation of NO3- in the leaves
• NH4+ : affect K+ uptake
• K+ limitation: represses NO3- transporters
: stimulates NH4+ transporters
• PO42- : causes plethora of transcriptional
responses
: up-regulation of SO42- transporters
as well as iron transporters
CELLULAR ION UPTAKE PROCESSES

• PII proteins: key regulators of cellular NO3- supply to ensure a balance

of C- and N-metabolism

• Mechanisms are interactive

• Molecular cross talk: to counteract potential imbalances caused by
deficiencies in nutrients
Root Architecture
ROOT ARCHITECTURE

• Diffusion into the apparent free space (AFS)

Typical pattern for

the uptake of Ca2+
by low-salt barley
roots
ROOT ARCHITECTURE
• AFS is equivalent to the apoplast of the root epidermal
and cortical cells
• AFS: volume of the root that is accessible by free
diffusion, then it probably consists of the cell walls and
intercellular spaces of the epidermis and cortex.
• These are the regions of the root that
can be entered without crossing a
membrane.
•Cation exchange capacity can be traced to the carboxyl
groups (-COO-)
ROOT ARCHITECTURE

• Casparian band: complex mixture of hydrophobic, long

chain fatty acids and alcohols called suberin.
: reduces the possibility that ions or

small hydrophilic molecules can pass between the cortex and

stele without first entering the symplast