Isolation and partial characterization of nickel complexes in higher plants.

The essential trace element, nickel, is readily taken up by plants. The biochemical properties of the nickel complex in intrinsically labeled potato and alfalfa were compared and contrasted to ionic nickel. Potato and alfalfa exhibit a similar in vivo nickel complex. The approximate mol wt is 2200-2400 daltons. The complex has a lower polarity than does ionic nickel. The majority of the complex is a cationic species with a minor anionic species. This is confirmed with electrophoresis, ion exchange chromatography and the two nickel complexes' affinity for cationic and anionic resins. Protein does not appear to be associated with either complex.