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An electric current associated with gravity sensing in maize rootsThe study of gravisensing would be greatly enhanced if physiological events associated with gravity sensing could be detected separately from subsequent growth processes. This report presents a means to discriminate sensing from the growth processes. By using a vibrating probe, we have found an electric current generated by the gravity sensing region of the root cap of maize (Zea mays cv Merit) in response to gravistimulation. On the upper surface of the root cap, the change from the endogenous current has a density of 0.55 microampere per square centimeter away from gravity. The onset of the current shift has a characteristic of lag of three to four minutes after gravistimulation, which corresponds to the presentation time for gravity sensing in this tissue. A description of the current provides some information about the sensing mechanism, as well as being a valuable means to detect gravity sensing independently of differential growth.
Document ID
20040089644
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bjorkman, T.
(Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853-1801, United States)
Leopold, A. C.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Plant physiology
Volume: 84
ISSN: 0032-0889
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: P41RR01395-SSS
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Number 40-10
NASA Program Space Biology
NASA Discipline Plant Biology
Non-NASA Center

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