Conversion of quaternary ammonium compounds in the whole plant system of the halophyte Suaeda altissima

Abstract

The total content of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and the choline content in roots, leaves, and xylem exudates of the halophyte Suaeda altissima (L.) Pall. were determined after growing plants at various NaCl concentrations in the nutrient solution (1, 50, 100, and 250 mM). Based on the results obtained, the content of glycine betaine in organs and xylem exudates of S. altissima was estimated as the difference between the total content of QAC and the choline content. In roots choline accounted for the largest portion of QAC (from 69 to 96% at various NaCl concentrations in nutrient media), whereas in leaves it contributed only 12–23%. The contribution of choline to QAC content in the xylem exudates was 84–90%. It is concluded that choline in S. altissima is mainly synthesized in roots and is delivered with the ascending water flow to leaves where it is utilized as a substrate for glycine betaine synthesis. The content of glycine betaine in leaves increased with elevation of NaCl concentration in the nutrient solution, thus contributing appreciably to the maintenance of osmotic balance in the cytoplasm of S. altissima at high salinity.