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Related Experiment Videos

Graviorientation in protists and plants.

R Hemmersbach1, D Volkmann, D P Hader

  • 1Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DLR (German Aerospace Center), Koln Germany.

Journal of Plant Physiology
|September 7, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Organisms like protists and plants exhibit graviresponses, such as gravitaxis, to gravity. Research suggests both intracellular receptors and cell-wide mechanisms contribute to gravity perception, with sensitivities as low as 10% of Earth's gravity.

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Area of Science:

  • Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Plant Science

Background:

  • Graviresponses (gravitaxis, gravikinesis, gravitropism) are critical for organismal orientation and development.
  • Studies have explored responses to microgravity and hypergravity, yielding data on timing, adaptation, and thresholds.
  • Evidence suggests non-physical mechanisms for gravity sensing in protists and signal transduction in plants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying gravity perception in protists and plants.
  • To differentiate between intracellular gravireceptor models and whole-cell sedimentation models.
  • To understand the sensitivity thresholds and amplification systems involved in graviresponses.

Main Methods:

  • Behavioral studies in density-adjusted media.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Application of inhibitors targeting mechano-sensitive ion channels.
  • Experimental manipulation of proposed intracellular gravireceptor structures.

    • Main Results:

    • Both intracellular gravireceptors and whole-cell sedimentation mechanisms are employed by protists and plants.
    • Sensitivity to gravity can be as low as 10% of the standard gravitational field.
    • Cytoskeletal elements and second messenger systems likely play roles in focusing and amplifying gravitational signals.

    Conclusions:

    • Gravity perception in protists and plants involves complex mechanisms beyond simple physical responses.
    • The existence of both localized receptors and distributed sensing highlights evolutionary diversity in gravitropism.
    • Further research into cellular signaling pathways is warranted to fully elucidate gravity perception.