Abstract: Nitrate reductase (NR) activity was identified in the right-side-out and inside-out of high purity plasma membrane (PM) vesicles in maize (Zea mays L. ) roots which was obtained by aqueous two-phase partitioning. The inducement property of the NR activity in PM could be confirmed through culturing the meterial with or without nitrate component. Analysis from experimentation with external electron donor indicated that the maize root NR in PM could utilize not only NADH but also NADPH directly or indirectly as its electron donor. Treatment with Triton X-100 combining with trypsin and inhibitor demonstrated that NR protein was a trans-PM protein mainly facing the apoplastic side, being specially sensitive to trypsin. The possible function of the NR in PM is also discussed.

Key words: Maize root, Plasma membrane, Nitrate reductase