The localization of vanadium- and nitrate-sensitive ATPases in Cucumis sativus L. root cells

Distinct separation of plasma membrane and tonoplast membranes was attained by centrifugation of cucumber root microsomes in a sucrose density gradient. The fractions enriched in plasma membranes, identified on the basis of the sensitivity of ATPases to VO43- sedimented at a specific density of 1. 1463-1. 1513 g x cm-3. They did not exhibit cytochrome oxidase activity and there was only trace activity of the azide-sensitive ATPase in these fractions. The fractions enriched in tonoplast membranes, having peak activity of nitrate-sensitive ATPase, were found in the region of specific densities of 1. 1082-1.1175. The presence of vanadium-sensitive and azide-sensitive ATPases was not found in these fractions. The ATPase inhibitors, DCCD, DES and EDAC, inhibited the activity of both vanadium-sensitive and nitrate-sensitive ATPases