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Higher plant cell membrane resistance by a single intracellular electrode method.
W P Anderson1, D L Hendrix, N Higinbotham
1Department of Botany, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163.
Plant Physiology
|January 1, 1974
Summary
Researchers adapted a microelectrode technique to measure plant cell membrane resistance. They discovered membrane resistance increases post-impalement, suggesting a feedback loop regulates electrogenic pumps and membrane potential in pea root cells.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Cellular electrophysiology
Background:
- Measuring membrane resistance in plant cells is crucial for understanding cellular function.
- Previous methods were limited in their ability to perform long-term recordings on single cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and utilize a single intracellular microelectrode technique for measuring membrane resistance in higher plant cells.
- To investigate the dynamic changes in membrane resistance and potential following cell impalement.
Main Methods:
- A single intracellular microelectrode technique was employed.
- Membrane resistance and cell potential were recorded over time in Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska root cortical cells after impalement.
Main Results:
- Cell potential rapidly stabilized within 2 minutes of impalement.
- A significant increase in membrane resistance was observed for approximately 30 minutes post-impalement.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in membrane resistance suggests a regulatory mechanism.
- A feedback loop between electrogenic pump rates and membrane potential is proposed to explain these findings.