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Voltage transients elicited by brief chilling
1Biology Department, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Chilling pea stems to 4°C significantly boosts voltage transients, suggesting low temperatures increase calcium ion (Ca2+) permeability. This finding offers insights into plant cell responses to cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Biophysics
- Cellular signaling
Background:
- Auxin-depleted, etiolated stems of Pisum sativum L. exhibit voltage transients.
- The underlying mechanisms of transient production are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of low temperatures on voltage transient production in pea stems.
- To explore the role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in temperature-induced transient generation.
Main Methods:
- Chilling of auxin-depleted, etiolated Pisum sativum L. stems to 4°C for 60 seconds.
- Monitoring and quantification of voltage transients.
- Comparative analysis of temperature effects (4°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C).
Main Results:
- A 20-fold enhancement in voltage transient production was observed upon chilling to 4°C.
- Heating to 40°C or 45°C did not increase transient production.
- Heating to 50°C resulted in a loss of turgor.
Conclusions:
- Low temperatures (4°C) significantly enhance voltage transient production in pea stems.
- Increased plasmalemmal permeability to Ca2+ at low temperatures is postulated to facilitate ion influx and promote transient generation.
- Plant cell responses to thermal stress involve alterations in ion permeability and membrane integrity.