Transmission of gravistimulus in the statocyte of the lentil root (7-IML-1)

The aim of this Biorack experiment is to determine the presentation time (minimum stimulation period to provoke a slight but significant response) of gravireaction of lentil roots cultivated in microgravity for 27 hours. The location of the statoliths in the statocytes will be analyzed in parallel in order to find the cell structure which can transmit the physical effect of the pressure of the statoliths into a biochemical factor leading to an asymmetrical production or release of the inhibitor which is responsible for the gravitropic response. Seeds of Lens culinaris will be used because of their small size. Details of the experimental procedure are given.