Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to determine if sorgoleone (SGL), a hydrophobic compound inSorghum bicolor (L.) Moench root exudate, interferes with mitochondrial functions. Tests were conducted on mitochondria isolated from etiolated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings. The data show SGL is a potent inhibitor of state 3 and state 4 respiration rates in both soybean and corn. Using either NADH, succinate, or malate as substrate, the I50 was about 0.5μM SGL for state 3 and 5.0μM for state 4 based on 0.3–0.5 mg mitochondrial protein. Absorption spectra indicate SGL blocks electron transport at theb-c 1 complex. These data show that disruption of mitochondrial function may be a mechanism of SGL-mediated growth inhibition previously reported and demonstrate a probable role of SGL inSorghum allelopathy.
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This study was supported in part by National Science Foundation grant RII-8902066 (South Dakota EPSCOR).
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Rasmussen, J.A., Hejl, A.M., Einhellig, F.A. et al. Sorgoleone from root exudate inhibits mitochondrial functions. J Chem Ecol 18, 197–207 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993753
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993753