Formation of Oxalate in Tobacco Leaves and the Downward Transport

Abstract:

Oxalate content in the roots, stem and leaves of hydroponically-cultured tobacco plants was very significantly correlated. When plant leaves were fed with ¹⁴CO₂, a large amount of ¹⁴C-oxalate rapidly emerged in the leaves, followed in the stem, and then in the roots, with a lag about one hour. The result indicated that oxalate might be rapidly formed in the leaves through photosynthetic CO₂ fixation, and part of it was then transported to the roots through the stem.