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Gravity-induced changes in intracellular potentials in elongating cortical cells of mung bean rootsGravity-induced changes in intracellular potentials in primary roots of 2-day-old mung bean (Vigna mungo L. cv. black matpe) seedlings were investigated using glass microelectrodes held by 3-dimensional hydraulic micro-drives. The electrodes were inserted into outer cortical cells within the elongation zone. Intracellular potentials, angle of root orientation with respect to gravity, and position within the root of the impaled cortical cell were measured simultaneously. Gravistimulation caused intracellular potential changes in cortical cells of the elongation zone. When the roots were oriented vertically, the intracellular potentials of the outer cortical cells (2 mm behind the root apex) were approximately - 115 mV. When the roots were placed horizontally cortical cells on the upper side hyperpolarized to - 154 mV within 30 s while cortical cells on the lower side depolarized to about - 62 mV. This electrical asymmetry did not occur in cells of the maturation zone. Because attempts to insert the electrode into cells of the root cap were unsuccessful, these cells were not measured. The hyperpolarization of cortical cells on the upper side was greatly reduced upon application of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), an inhibitor of respiratory energy coupling. When stimulated roots were returned to the vertical, the degree of hyperpolarization of cortical cells on the previous upper side decreased within 30 s and approached that of cortical cells in non-stimulated roots. This cycle of hyperpolarization/loss of hyperpolarization was repeatable at least ten times by alternately turning the root from the vertical to the horizontal and back again. The very short (<30 s) lag period of these electrical changes indicates that they may result from stimulus-perception and transduction within the elongation zone rather than from transmission of a signal from the root cap.
Document ID
20040112133
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ishikawa, H.
(The Ohio State University Columbus 43210)
Evans, M. L.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Plant & cell physiology
Volume: 31
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0032-0781
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DMB8608673
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-297
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Plant Biology
NASA Program Space Biology
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Number 40-50

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