Effect of simazine on nitrate reductase activity in corn

A general classification of U-shaped dose-response relationships in toxicology and their mechanistic foundations

The development of a comprehensive database of chemical hormetic responses (i.e., U- or inverted U-shaped dose-response relationships) using objective a priori study design, statistical and study replication criteria has recently been reported. An assessment of this database reveals the existence of a wide range of hormetic dose-response relationships including those demonstrating a direct stimulation or an overcompensation response to a disruption of homeostasis. These two broad types of hormetic responses are affected by temporal factors and display unique patterns of dose-range stimulation, magnitude of stimulatory response and relationship of the maximum stimulatory response to the NOAEL. A general classification of U-shaped dose-response relationships is proposed to provide a more organized framework to evaluate the highly distinctive and diverse hormetic responses within the context of establishing underlying biological mechanisms and exploring risk assessment implications.

Subtoxic effects of certain chemicals on food crops

An increased supply of food is urgently needed to provide adequate nutrients to the increasing world population. Plant foods are basic in the nutrition of man. Increasing the productivity and efficiency of plant foods is, therefore, essential. Application of low concentrations of certain chemicals have helped in making a breakthrough in this direction. Certain chemicals are known to stimulate plant growth and yield. Many growth regulators also increase the protein content of plants. Treatment with pesticides and herbicides may also change the nutritive quality. These effects have been explored in detail for specific food crops and individual chemicals and the findings are presented here. It should be noted, however, that most of these findings are of an experimental nature and their practical application will depend upon the discovery of more powerful chemicals and further research into less expensive ways to use them with fewer side effects.

Role of light in the synthesis of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in rice seedlings

1. In rice seedlings synthesis of methyl viologen-nitrite reductase was stimulated by light, as was that of NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.6.1). A small residual effect of light on the synthesis of the enzymes persisted in the dark for a short time. 2. In etiolated seedlings exposed to light and nitrate, a lag period of 3h was necessary before enzyme synthesis commenced, whereas in green seedlings kept in the dark for 36h, synthesis of both the enzymes started as soon as light and nitrate were provided. 3. Experiments with cycloheximide suggested that fresh protein synthesis in light was necessary for formation of active enzymes. Mere activation by light of inactive enzymes or their precursors, was not involved. 4. In green seedlings synthesis of nitrite reductase was more sensitive to chloramphenicol than that of nitrate reductase. In chloramphenicol-treated etiolated seedlings, however, synthesis of both the enzymes was inhibited to the same extent on subsequent light-treatment. 5. A close correlation was observed between inhibition of the Hill reaction by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and simazin [2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine] (at high concentration) and the inhibition of enzyme synthesis. At lower concentrations, however, simazin stimulated nitrate reductase. 6. In a single leaf synthesis of enzymes was observed only in portions exposed to light, whereas little activity was present in the dark covered part. 7. CO(2) deprivation severely inhibited the synthesis of enzymes in the light. Sucrose could not reverse this effect. 8. In excised embryos cultured in synthetic media containing sucrose, light was also essential for enzyme formation. 9. It is suggested that redox changes taking place in the green tissues as a result of the Hill reaction create conditions favourable for the induced synthesis of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase.

Influence of s-Triazines on Some Enzymes of Carbohydrates and Nitrogen Metabolism in Leaves of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) and Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.)

Foliar applications of 2 milligrams per liter of 2-chloro-4,6-bis (ethylamino)-s-triazine, 2-methylmercapto-4-ethylamino-6-isobutylamino-s-triazine, and 2-methoxy-4-isopropylamino-6-butylamino-s-triazine caused increases in the activities of starch phosphorylase, pyruvate kinase, cytochrome oxidase, and glutamate dehydrogenase 5, 10, and 15 days after treatment in the leaves of 3-week-old seedlings of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The results indicate that sublethal concentrations of s-triazine compounds affect the physiological and biochemical events in plants which favor more utilization of carbohydrates for nitrate reduction and synthesis of amino acids and proteins.

The effects of simazine and temperature on photosynthesis in rye

Temperature during growth had a strong influence on light-saturated rates of photosynthesis and respiration in rye (Secale cereale). Carbon dioxide uptake was depressed at the low temperatures and reached maximal values higher than 30 milligrams of carbon dioxide per square decimeter per hour at the intermediate temperatures. Respiration rates increased substantially while growth temperature decreased. Simazine treatment (0.00, 0.03, 0.08, 0.12 milligrams per liter) resulted in no significant stimulatory or inhibitory effects at low temperatures, but progressively inhibited growth and photosynthesis at the higher temperatures. Respiration rates were not significantly influenced. Thus, the effect of simazine is strongly temperature-dependent and is more pronounced on photosynthesis than respiration.

Regulation of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Corn (Zea mays L.) Seedlings by Endogenous Metabolites

Primary and secondary metabolites of inorganic nitrogen metabolism were evaluated as inhibitors of nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1) induction in green leaf tissue of corn seedlings. Nitrite, nitropropionic acid, ammonium ions, and amino acids were not effective as inhibitors of nitrate reductase activity or synthesis. Increasing alpha-amino nitrogen and protein content of intact corn seedlings by culture techniques significantly enhanced rather than decreased the potential for induction of nitrate reductase activity in excised seedlings.Secondary metabolites, derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine, were tested as inhibitors of induction of nitrate reductase. Of the 9 different phenylpropanoid compounds tested, only coumarin, trans-cinnamic and trans-o-hydroxycinnamic acids inhibited induction of nitrate reductase.While coumarin alone exhibited a relatively greater inhibitory effect on enzyme induction than on general protein synthesis (the latter measured by incorporation of labeled amino acids), this differential effect may have been dependent upon unequal rates of synthesis and accumulation with respect to the initial levels of nitrate reductase and general proteins. Because of the short half-life of nitrate reductase, inhibitors of protein synthesis in general could still achieve differential regulation of nitrogen metabolism. Coumarin did not inhibit nitrate reductase activity when added directly to the assay mixture at 5 mm.Carbamyl phosphate and its chemical derivative, cyanate, were found to be competitive (with nitrate) inhibitors of nitrate reductase. The data suggest that cyanate is the active inhibitor in the carbamyl phosphate preparations.

The increase in nitrate reductase activity and protein content of plants treated with simazine

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