NR (EC 1.7.1.3) is a key enzyme in the transformation of plant nitrate nitrogen into ammonia nitrogen as
well as an induction enzyme, which widely exists in plants and has an impact on crop yield and quality.
NR catalyzed nitrate reduction to nitrite, with NO3ˉ + NADH + H+→ NO2ˉ + NAD++ H2O. NADH has a
characteristic absorption peak at 340 nm. The change of absorbance at 340 nm can indicate the enzyme
activity.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided.
Table centrifuge, pipettes, spectrophotometer, water-bath, 1 mL quartz cuvette, mortar/homogeniser, ice
and distilled water.
Protocol
I. Sample Preparation
1. Put proper inducers in a beaker, wash fresh specimens and then drain with filter paper. Put the
specimens in the inducer applied liquid(covered), protected from light, immerse 2 hours. Take out the
samples and drain with filter paper. Frozen at -20℃ for 30 minutes, then take out the sample, drain with
filter paper. (Conduct induction treatment as needed)
2. Put 0.1 g of induced sample into 1 mL of Extraction solution and fully grinding on ice. Centrifuge at
4000×g for 10 minutes at 4℃ to remove insoluble materials, and take the supernatant on ice for testing.
II. Determination