The existence and characteristics of nitrate reductase (NR) have been investigated with microsomes and purified plasma membrane vesicles (RV and IV) from the primary root tips of maize (Zea mays L.). An integral membrane protein capable of reducing nitrate is presented in the plasma membrane which is obviously different from the soluble cytoplasmic NR in respect of NO3- induction and Triton X-100 activation Plasma membrane-bound NR did not have direct coupling relationship with the transmembrane H-transport, however, it could inhibit the electron transmission from NADH to K3[Fe(CN)6]. The possible action mode of plasma membrane redox system that the membrane-bound NR is involved in is discussed.