Uptake of Copper by Excised Roots

Abstract

Excised Hordeum roots were employed to examine the effect of supplying copper as a complex ion on the subsequent accumulation of copper within the roots. The uptake of copper from various complexes was compared to uptake from an inorganic salt at a series of points in time. Additionally two isomeric forms of one ligand were employed to investigate the role of absolute configuration on copper availability to the plant tissue. Finally the effect of other metal ions on uptake from both free and complexed copper sources was investigated, and it was concluded from all the evidence that uptake of copper into the plant tissue occurred as a result of absorption of the uncomplexed cupric ion.