The Role of Stimulus-Induced Membrane Potential Changes in Root Gravitropism

本研究的主要目的是探讨刺激诱导的细胞内电位变化在植物对重力反应的协调中的作用。主要研究者已经证明，重力刺激诱导豆根伸长区上部的膜快速超极化和下部的膜去极化。这表明要么这个区域的细胞直接检测重力，要么在根尖有一个假定的重力检测区域，信号传输非常快。这些选择将通过研究1)其他物种的电变化来测试，2)帽被移除的根，以及3)帽和延伸区之间通信受损的突变体的根。这些实验将与响应过程中生长速率分布和曲率发展的计算机分析相结合，以建立电扰动、信号传输和生长变化之间的联系。这些研究将提高我们对植物与环境相互作用的理解，并可能提高我们修改或控制植物生长的能力。//

The major goal of this research is to investigate the role of stimulus-induced intracellular potential changes in the coordination of plant responses to gravity. The principal investigator has shown that gravistimulation induces rapid membrane hyperpolarization along the upper side and depolarization along the lower side of the elongation zone of bean roots. This indicates ether that cells in this region detect gravity directly or that there is very rapid signal transmission from the putative gravity-detecting region at the root tip. These alternatives will be tested by investigating electrical changes in 1) other species, 2) roots from which the caps have been removed, and 3) roots of mutants with impaired communication between the cap and the elongation zone. These experiments will be coupled with computer- based analysis of growth rate distribution and curvature development during the response in order to establish a link between electrical perturbations, signal transmission and growth modifications. These studies would improve our understanding of the interaction of plants with their environments, and may enhance jour ability of modify or control plant growth. //