Amino Acid Metabolic Action
Among the elements that constitute plants, nitrogen accounts for the most mass after carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Nitrogen is a component of proteins, nucleic acids, growth regulators, chlorophyll, and various primary and secondary metabolites. Therefore, nitrogen is closely related to various physiological phenomena.
Plants typically absorb nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate or ammonium. The nitrogen absorbed by the plant is utilized in the synthesis of amino acids, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites through metabolic processes such as assimilation and amino acid transfer within the plant.
Under environmental stresses such as low temperatures, insufficient sunlight, and high temperatures, the nitrogen metabolism capability of crops significantly declines. During this time, timely supply of amino acids can reduce the energy consumption involved in nitrogen metabolism, allowing for efficient utilization in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Additionally, increased protein synthesis capacity due to amino acid supply enhances the synthesis of various antioxidant enzymes, thereby increasing the ability to recover from environmental stress.
Amino acids exist in two forms, L-form and D-form, with the D-form being rarely utilized within the plant. Therefore, the supply of L-form amino acids is crucial. Additionally, around 20 amino acids have functional aspects related to stress response, such as osmotic pressure regulation, immune enhancement, and hormone synthesis. Effective supply of amino acids can enhance resilience to various stresses. Moreover, if trace elements that act as catalysts in the metabolism of amino acids are deficient, the effectiveness of amino acid supply may be compromised. Therefore, it is necessary to supply both amino acids and trace elements simultaneously.
