Effects of metabolic inhibitors on Na+-stimulated K+ uptake in Salicornia virginica roots: Possibility of metabolic coupling of the transport

Regarding the ionic interactions in the roots of the halophyte Salicornia virginica, it has been previously reported that high concentrations of NaCl stimulated the uptake of K + in the presence of Ca 2+ , though the mechanism underlying this stimulating effect of Na + remains largely unknown (Sopandie et al. 1990). The results obtained led us to examine the possibility of a metabolic linkage to this movement of K+ into the roots of Salicornia under saline conditions. Jefferies (1973) presented the evidence of the presence of an inward potassium pump operating in the roots of seedlings of Triglochin maritima treated with saline medium, when the concentration of potassium in the external solution was low.