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Circadian Rhythm of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Jatropha curcas Under Different Photoregimens

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Abstract

Our knowledge on the circadian phenomenon in Jatropha curcas is limited. Therefore, we studied the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) in leaves of J. curcas under light and dark cycles (LD 12:12), continuous light (LL) and constant darkness (DD). We observed a statistically significant circadian rhythm in NR activity in LD. Unlike in DD, the circadian oscillation in NR activity persisted in continuous light, irrespective of different light intensities (LL 2 lx and 15 lx). The peak activity of NR appeared in the morning in LL 15 lx and forenoon in LD, while it reached a peak at night in LL 2 lx. This shows that rhythm in NR activity in J. curcas could be endogenous and that the light intensity might modulate acrophase of NR activity. Jatropha curcas could be considered as an ideal higher plant model for teaching NR activity rhythm to undergraduate and postgraduate students of biology streams.

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Acknowledgements

Financial assistance received from the Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology (CCOST) (Grant No. 311/CGCOST/08), Raipur, to carry out the research work, is gratefully acknowledged. We also thank Dr. P.K. Patra, Professor and Head Department of Biochemistry, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for providing guidance and support.

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  1. Atanu Kumar Pati

    Present address: Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, 768 004, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Government N.P.G. College of Science, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, 492 010, India

    Suneeta Patra & Yamini Mishra

  2. SoS in Life Science, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, 492 010, India

    Babita Pande & Atanu Kumar Pati

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  1. Suneeta Patra
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  2. Yamini Mishra
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Correspondence to Suneeta Patra.

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Significance statement The circadian rhythm in activity of nitrate reductase (NR) enzyme, essential for assimilation of nitrogen, in leaf of Jatropha curcas could be utilized as an ideal model to teach light-controlled NR activity rhythm in plants to students of biology. The endogenous circadian phase could be manipulated to time the nitrogen supplementation.

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Patra, S., Mishra, Y., Pande, B. et al. Circadian Rhythm of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Jatropha curcas Under Different Photoregimens. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. 43, 195–199 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-019-00828-8

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