Asparagine Synthetase 1 is Responsible for the Synthesis of Asparagine in Rice Roots
April 29, 2015| |
Asparagine is synthesized by asparagine synthetase (AS) and is the major nitrogen form in both xylem and phloem sap in rice (Oryza sativa L.). There are two genes encoding AS in rice, OsAS1 and OsAS2. However, the functions of individual AS genes are unknown. Tomoyuki Yamaya from the Tohoku University in Japan studied the individual functions of the two genes.
OsAS1 was found to be mainly expressed in roots while OsAS2 was abundant in leaf blades and sheaths of rice. Although OsAS2 was also detectable in the roots, its content decreased when ammonium was supplied. Mutants lacking AS1 showed slight stimulation of shoot length and a slight reduction in root length at the seedling stage. However, the mutation caused an approximately 80–90% reduction in free asparagine content in both roots and xylem sap.
These results suggest that AS1 is responsible for the synthesis of asparagine in rice roots following the supply of ammonium.
For more information of the study, read the full article on Oxford Journals.
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