On-line rapid purification of [13N]N2 gas for visualization of nitrogen fixation and translocation in nodulated soybean

Abstract

Accurate analysis of N fixation in leguminous crops requires determination of N utilization within an intact plant; however, most approaches require tissue disassembly. We developed a simple and rapid technique to generate high-purity and high-yield [¹³N]N₂ gas and obtained real-time images of N fixation in an intact soybean plant. The purification efficiency was ∼81.6% after decay correction. Our method provides accurate signals of N fixation and allows free changes to the tracer gas composition to suit different experimental designs.

Keywords: Nitrogen fixation; Nodule; PETIS; Purification; [(13)N]N(2).