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Changes in Hechtian strands in cold-hardened cells measured by optical microsurgery
C S Buer1, P J Weathers, G A Swartzlander
1Department of Biology/Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-2280, USA.
Plant Physiology
|April 12, 2000
Summary
This study measured the tension of Hechtian strands in plant cells using optical tweezers. Cold-hardened cells showed altered strand properties, suggesting adaptation to environmental stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Hechtian strands are crucial for maintaining cell structure in certain plant species.
- Understanding their mechanical properties is key to plant cell physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical properties, specifically tension, of Hechtian strands in Nicotiana tabacum and Ginkgo biloba.
- To compare these properties in normal versus cold-hardened cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical tweezers to apply force to microspheres attached to Hechtian strands.
- Measured strand tensions by observing microsphere displacement.
- Examined Hechtian strands in both normal and cold-hardened callus cells, as well as in Arabidopsis.
Main Results:
- Hechtian strand tensions were measured to be approximately 10(-12) N.
- Cold-hardened cells exhibited significant differences in binding strengths compared to normal cells.
- Increased strand number density was observed in cold-hardened Ginkgo biloba cells.
- Hechtian strands were found in Arabidopsis leaf epidermal cells but not in callus cells.
Conclusions:
- Hechtian strands possess measurable tensions in the picoNewton range.
- Cellular cold-hardening affects Hechtian strand mechanical properties and density.
- The presence and properties of Hechtian strands vary across plant species and cell types.