Water uptake and trans-potential in sunflower roots as influenced by ammonium ions

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of ammonium ions on artificially imposed water flux and trans-root potential difference was studied in excised sunflower roots. Water movement through the root system decreased and the potential of the xylem sap became less negative with respect to the external medium as the ammonium ion concentration in the external medium increased. It is suggested that ammonium ions appeared to inhibit water uptake either wholly or partially through a general or specific blockage of root metabolism which reflected on the permeability of water through root membranes. The reduction in the trans-root potential was due to the effect of ammonium ions on the original trans-root potential of epidermal root cells. This may indicate that the site of water uptake inhibition lies within the root epidermis.