The face value of ion fluxes: The challenge of determining influx in the low-affinity transport range

Abstract

The existence of distinct high- and low-affinity transport systems (HATS and LATS) is well established for major nutrient ions. However, influx mediated by these systems is usually estimated using uniformly simple tracer protocols. Two 42K radiotracer methods to measure potassium influxes in the HATS and LATS ranges in intact barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots are compared here: a direct influx (DI) method, and an integrated flux analysis (IFA), which is designed to account for tracer efflux from labelled roots and differential tracer accumulation along the plant axis. Methods showed only minor discrepancies for influx values in the HATS range, but large discrepancies in the LATS range, revea..