High Resolution 31P NMR Spectroscopy Generates a Quantitative Evolution Profile of Phosphorous Translocation in Germinating Sesame Seed

Determination of phosphorus compounds in plant tissues: from colourimetry to advanced instrumental analytical chemistry

Although the spectrum of effective methods and techniques that allow determination of inorganic or total phosphorus is impressive, more precise analysis of these substances in plant tissues is not a routine or trivial task. The complexity of chemical composition of plant tissues treated as the analytical matrices is thought to be the main cause why there is no one answer, how appropriate phosphorus compounds may be determined qualitatively and quantitatively. Even if more advanced spectrophotometric measurements and classical variants of absorption (FAAS) or emission (ICP-AES/ ICP-OES) spectrometry techniques are used, it is necessary at first to isolate various forms of phosphorus from the matrix, and then to mineralize them prior the determination. Significant progress in such a kind of analytical efforts was brought by implementation of combined methods e.g. ETV-ICP-AES or HR-ETAAS, does allow the isolation of the phosphorus analyte and its detection during a kind of "one step" analytical procedure, directly in plant tissues. Similar benefits, regarding sensitivity of determinations, are obtained when XRF, SIMS or nanoSIMS-more expensive techniques of imaging the presence of phosphorus in biological matrices have been used. Nowadays, obviously being aware of higher limit of detection, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, especially the ³¹P NMR technique, is thought to be the most universal analytical tool allowing to determine various chemical forms of plant phosphorus qualitatively and quantitatively, at the same time. Although ³¹P NMR provides valuable information about the phosphorus profile of plants, it should be emphasized that each analytical issue related to the determination of phosphorus compounds in plant tissues and organs, requires an individual approach to defined problem.

Phosphonates as Unique Components of Plant Seeds-A Promising Approach to Use Phosphorus Profiles in Plant Chemotaxonomy

Phosphorus is one of the most important elements essential for all living beings. Plants accumulate and store phosphorous in various forms that have diverse physiological and biochemical functions. In this study, we determine and then examine the phosphorus profiles of seeds of plants belonging to different taxa based on extractable inorganic phosphates and organic forms of phosphorus. We paid particular attention to the presence of natural phosphonates in the tested materials. The inorganic phosphates were determined colorimetrically, whereas phosphorus profiles were created by using 31P NMR spectroscopy. Our study on phosphorus profiles revealed that the obtainedsets of data vary significantly among the representatives of different taxa and were somehow specific for families of plants. It should be emphasised that the measurements obtained using 31P NMR spectroscopy undoubtedly confirmed-for the first time-the presence of phosphonates among the natural components of plant seeds. Hence, the classification of plants considering the phosphorus profiles, including the presence of phosphonates, may be a new additional chemotaxonomic feature.

31P NMR Investigations on Roundup Degradation by AOP Procedures

The reactions of (N-(PhosphonoMethyl)Glycine) PMG with H2O2 in homogenous systems were investigated using 31P NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). These reactions were carried out in two reaction modes: without UV radiation and under UV radiation. The reactions of PMG with H2O2 without UV radiation were carried out in two modes: the degradations of PMG (0.1 mmol) by means of 5–10 molar excess of hydrogen dioxide (PMG-H2O2 = 1:5 and 1:10) and the degradation of PMG (0.1 mmol) in homogenous Fenton reactions (PMG-H2O2-Fe2+ = 1:10:0.05 and 1:10:0.1). All reactions were carried out at ambient temperature, at pH 3.5, for 48 h. The reactions of PMG (in Roundup herbicide composition, 12 mmol) with H2O2 under UV radiation (254 nm) were carried out using 5 × molar excess of H2O2 (60 mmol), in the pH range of 2 ≤ pH ≤ 12, for 6 h. In this mode of PMG oxidation, the splitting of C-P was observed in the ratios dependent on the applied pH of the reaction mixture.

Functional Genomics Approaches to Studying Symbioses between Legumes and Nitrogen-Fixing Rhizobia

Biological nitrogen fixation gives legumes a pronounced growth advantage in nitrogen-deprived soils and is of considerable ecological and economic interest. In exchange for reduced atmospheric nitrogen, typically given to the plant in the form of amides or ureides, the legume provides nitrogen-fixing rhizobia with nutrients and highly specialised root structures called nodules. To elucidate the molecular basis underlying physiological adaptations on a genome-wide scale, functional genomics approaches, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have been used. This review presents an overview of the different functional genomics approaches that have been performed on rhizobial symbiosis, with a focus on studies investigating the molecular mechanisms used by the bacterial partner to interact with the legume. While rhizobia belonging to the alpha-proteobacterial group (alpha-rhizobia) have been well studied, few studies to date have investigated this process in beta-proteobacteria (beta-rhizobia).