The Accumulation and Transport of Calcium in Barley Roots

Abstract

AbstractThe accumulation and transport of Ca by various zones of 6‐day old barley roots (Hordeum vulgare L.) were examined with special reference to their relationship to the salt status of the root. The initial salt content had a profound effect on Ca transport and a lesser effect on Ca accumulation. High‐salt roots transported Ca in much larger amounts than did low salt roots. In low salt roots the apical zone was more active in transporting Ca to the conducting tissue than were the mid or basal zones However, in high salt roots all zones were about equally active in transporting Ca. The metabolic inhibitor, DNP, had little effect on accumulation but inhibited transport very effectively. The effect of DNP was more pronounced on transport from the apical zone than from the other root zones. Calcium applied anywhere along the root length moved only basally and its polarized longitudinal movement was maintained irrespective of the salt status of the root. The movement of Ca was characterized by a rapid release of preabsorbed Ca and a ready exchange of apoplastic Ca. The hypothesis is presented that cellular Ca is in a relatively mobile state. Its entry into the symplasm is the rate limiting step in longitudinal transport and its overall movement is metabolically controlled.