Energy-linked potassium influx as related to cell potential in corn roots

Cell potentials and K+ (86Rb) influx were determined for corn roots over a wide range of external K+ activity (K0) under control, anoxic, and uncoupled conditions. The data were analyzed using Goldman theory for the contribution of passive influx to total influx. For anoxic and uncoupled roots the K+ influx shows the functional relationship with K0 predicted with constant passive permeability, although K+ permeability in uncoupled roots is about twice that of anoxic roots. In control roots the equation fails to describe K+ infux at low K0, but does so at high K0, with a gradual transition over the region where the electrical potential becomes equal to the equilibrium potential for K+ (psi = E/sub K/). In the low K0 range, where net K+ infux is energetically uphill, participation of an energy-linked K+ carrier is indicated. In the high K0 range, K+ influx becomes passive down the electrical gradient established by the cell potential. Since the cell potential includes a substantial electrogenic component, anoxia or uncoupling reduces passive influx