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 协调植物对重力的反应。 校长 研究者已经表明重力刺激诱导快速膜 沿着上侧的超极化和沿着的去极化 菜豆根伸长区的下侧。 这 表明这一区域的细胞能直接感受到重力 或者说，有非常迅速的信号传输从假定的 根尖的重力检测区域。 这些替代方案将 通过研究1）其他物种的电变化进行测试， 2)根从其中帽已被删除，和3）根的 突变体与受损的通信之间的上限和 延伸区 这些实验将与计算机相结合- 基于增长率分布和曲率的分析 为了建立联系， 电扰动、信号传输和生长 修改. 这些研究将增进我们对 植物与环境的相互作用，并可能增强 调节或控制植物生长能力。 //

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. //