The response of plant mitochondria to media of high solute content

Abstract

The state-3 rate of respiration of potato tuber mitochondria is inhibited by concentrations of KCl or NaCl above 125 mM, and by concentrations of sucrose, lactose, or maltose above 500 mM, but not at all by mannitol, glucose, glycine, or proline up to a concentration of 1500 mM in the medium. Mitochondria from cauliflower, beetroot, cucumber, rock melon, and watermelon behave very similarly to those from potato tuber. The variable response to different solutes proves that the reduction in respiration is not a simple function of the chemical potential of water in the medium. Disruption of potato mitochondria by ultrasonic vibration does not relieve the inhibition of succinate oxidation caused by KCl or sucrose. However, treatment with detergent abolishes completely the inhibition of respiration by sucrose. Inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase [Succinate:PMS, oxidoreductase (EC.1.3.99.1)] and malate dehydrogenase [L-Malate:NAD oxidoreductase (EC.1.1.1.37)] activities by sucrose is less than the inhibition of succinate- and malate-dependent oxygen uptake by the potato mitochondria. Limited substrate uptake and, alternatively, reduced electron flow as a consequence of a direct effect of solute on the mitochondrial membrane are considered as possible mechanisms of inhibition.