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Monensin inhibits the secretion of α-amylase but not polysaccharide slime from seedling tissues ofZea mays

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Summary

The effect of monensin on polysaccharide slime secretion by root tips of corn (Zea mays) was studied. Various treatment times and ionophore concentrations were tested: none resulted in inhibition of slime secretion. Because monensin changes the pH of the medium, its effect was also monitored in strongly buffered media and at different pH's. Even in such media, monensin did not inhibit slime secretion. We also measured the effect of the drug after a pulse with [3H]fucose or a pulse followed by a chase. The amount of labeled slimed secreted was not altered by the ionophore. However, 10μM monensin affected the development of root tips and drastically reduced their growth. We showed that monensin inhibits the secretion of α-amylase by the scutellum of the same plantlet. The importance of the nature of the secretory compound in relation to monensin inhibition of its secretion is discussed.

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Abbreviations

Hepes:

N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethane-sul-fonic acid

Mes:

2-(N-morpholino)ethane-sulfonic acid

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Liliane Sticher & R. L. Jones

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  1. Liliane Sticher
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  2. R. L. Jones
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Sticher, L., Jones, R.L. Monensin inhibits the secretion of α-amylase but not polysaccharide slime from seedling tissues ofZea mays . Protoplasma 142, 36–45 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273224

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273224

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