Nitrogen (N) deficiency first affects the N uptake and assimilation systems of plants. Nitrate, the main source of plant N, is absorbed and transported by nitrate transporters. Nitrate can be metabolized directly in the roots after absorption and stored in the vacuole, but most nitrate is transported to aerial plant parts. N and carbon (C) metabolism are tightly interrelated in plants. N deficiency affects not only N uptake and assimilation but also C assimilation, especially photosynthesis. Protein degradation for N recycling helps plants adapt to N deficiency.
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Source: Phys.org