Effects of Inorganic Solutes on the Binding of Auxin

The binding of alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid ((14)C-NAA) to pelletable particulates from corn (Zea mays) coleoptiles was found to be influenced by inorganic solutes. La(3+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) increased the binding whereas monovalent cations did not. The concentrations of CaCl(2) which increased auxin binding were similar to those which inhibited coleoptile elongation in the presence of auxin. These results are interpreted as suggesting that the alteration of hormonal effectiveness by some inorganic solutes involves alterations in the attachment of the hormone to binding sites in the cell.