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Calluna vulgaris root cells show increased capacity for amino acid uptake when colonized with the mycorrhizal fungus Hymenoscyphus ericae
Author(s) -
Sokolovski Sergei G.,
Meharg Andy A.,
Maathuis Frans J. M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2002.00485.x
Subject(s) - calluna , biology , mycorrhiza , botany , symbiosis , ericaceae , ectomycorrhiza , colonization , fungus , nutrient , ecology , bacteria , genetics
Summary• Ericoid mycorrhizas are believed to improve N nutrition of many ericaceous plant species that typically occur in habitats with impoverished nutrient status, by releasing amino acids from organic N forms. Despite the ubiquity of mycorrhizal formation the mechanisms and regulation of nutrient transport in mycorrhizal associations are poorly understood. • We used an electrophysiological approach to study how amino acid transport characteristics of Calluna vulgariswere affected by colonization with the ericoid mycorrhiza fungusHymenoscyphus ericae . • Both the VmaxandKm parameters of amino acid uptake were affected by fungal colonization in a manner consistent with an increased availability of amino acid to the plant. • The ecophysiological significance of altered amino acid transport in colonized root cells of C. vulgaris is discussed.