Abstract

We tested the effect of sodium tungstate, which disturbs the molybdenum cofactor formation, on the activities of aldehyde oxidase(AO) and the growth of maize(Zea mays) primary roots. As reported in other plants, sodium tungstate inhibited AO also in the maize root concentration-dependently. The inhibitory effect of sodium tungstate was observed only when the inhibitor was applied to the living plants. Application of tungstate to the extracted protein did not show any effect. Western analysis revealed slightly decreased level of AO protein in the presence of tungstate, indicating a positive feedback of gene regulation by the product. We also tested the effects of tungstate on the root growth. The elongation of primary root and the development of lateral roots, which are sensitive to the absolute level of auxin, were decreased in the presence of sodium tungstate. However, the gravitropic curvature of the primary root, which is dependent on the relative amount of auxin at both sides, was unaffected. These data suggested the decrease of auxin biosynthesis by the application of tungstate. However, the level of free IAA was unaffected by tungstate application. We discuss the possible explanations for the observed results.

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