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Stimulation of root elongation and curvature by calciumCa2+ has been proposed to mediate inhibition of root elongation. However, exogenous Ca2+ at 10 or 20 millimolar, applied directly to the root cap, significantly stimulated root elongation in pea (Pisum sativum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings. Furthermore, Ca2+ at 1 to 20 millimolar, applied unilaterally to the caps of Alaska pea roots, caused root curvature away from the Ca2+ source, which was caused by an acceleration of elongation growth on the convex side (Ca2+ side) of the roots. Roots of an agravitropic pea mutant, ageotropum, responded to a greater extent. Roots of Merit and Silver Queen corn also responded to Ca2+ in similar ways but required a higher Ca2+ concentration than that of pea roots. Roots of all other cultivars tested (additional four cultivars of pea and one of corn) curved away from the unilateral Ca2+ source as well. The Ca(2+)-stimulated curvature was substantially enhanced by light. A Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, at 20 micromolar or abscisic acid at 0.1 to 100 micromolar partially substituted for the light effect and enhanced the Ca(2+)-stimulated curvature in the dark. Unilateral application of Ca2+ to the elongation zone of intact roots or to the cut end of detipped roots caused either no curvature or very slight curvature toward the Ca2+. Thus, Ca2+ action on root elongation differs depending on its site of application. The stimulatory action of Ca2+ may involve an elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in root cap cells and may partipate in root tropisms.
Document ID
20040090275
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Takahashi, H.
(Institute of Genetic Ecology, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan)
Scott, T. K.
Suge, H.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Plant physiology
Volume: 98
ISSN: 0032-0889
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
ISSN: 0032-0889
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1842
CONTRACT_GRANT: 837907-7
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Program Space Biology
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Number 40-50
NASA Discipline Plant Biology
Calcium/physiology
Gravitropism/physiology
Plant Roots/growth & development
Plant Root Cap/growth & development/physiology
Time Factors
Darkness
Zea mays/growth & development
Light
Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S
Ionophores/metabolism
Phytochrome/metabolism
Peas/growth & development
Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Abscisic Acid/physiology
Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S

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