Total net ammonium (NH4 +), nitrate (NO3 −), and proton (H+) fluxes were investigated in fern gametophytes of the swordfern, Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) C.Presl. Flux measurements were performed with a… Click to show full abstract
Total net ammonium (NH4 +), nitrate (NO3 −), and proton (H+) fluxes were investigated in fern gametophytes of the swordfern, Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) C.Presl. Flux measurements were performed with a microelectrode ion flux measurement system. Overall, net influx of NH4 + and H+ was observed. By comparison, NO3 − showed a net efflux. Male Polystichum munitum gametophytes displayed greater per-unit-area NH4 + uptake than female/hermaphrodite gametophytes, though the latter showed greater NH4 + uptake at the whole-organism level. This finding suggests that fern gametophytes may conform to the expectations of nutrient-based sex determination.
Journal Title: Botany
Year Published: 2025
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