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Plastids: dynamic components of plant cell development.

J A Guikema1, G L Gallegos

  • 1Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66502, USA.

Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science. Kansas Academy of Science
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary
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Cytochalasin D, a cytoskeletal inhibitor, affects maize root gravitropism. High concentrations applied to the root cap disrupt directional bending in response to gravity.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Gravitropism is essential for root navigation and growth.
  • The root cap plays a critical role in sensing gravity.
  • Cytoskeletal dynamics are implicated in plant cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of the cytoskeletal inhibitor cytochalasin D on maize root gravitropism.
  • To determine the sensitivity of gravitropic bending to cytochalasin D application at different root zones.

Main Methods:

  • Maize roots were treated with cytochalasin D via agar blocks applied to the root cap or elongation zone.
  • Roots were reoriented within a gravitational field to assess gravitropic bending.
  • Root growth and directional reorientation were monitored.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline Cell BiologyNASA Discipline Developmental BiologyNASA Discipline Number 93-10NASA Program NSCORTNon-NASA Center

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Main Results:

  • Normal root growth was observed irrespective of treatment when roots were not reoriented.
  • Roots exhibited a 40-degree bending response within one hour of horizontal reorientation.
  • Cytochalasin D applied to the elongation zone did not inhibit bending.
  • Application of cytochalasin D (>40 µg/ml) to the root cap abolished directional reorientation, leading to random bending.

Conclusions:

  • The root cap is crucial for the directional sensing of gravity in maize roots.
  • Disruption of the cytoskeleton in the root cap by cytochalasin D impairs gravitropic response.
  • The zone of elongation is less sensitive to cytochalasin D regarding gravitropism.