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Microelectrodes suitable for use in cells with high hydrostatic pressure.

M C Ernau1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences and Neurobiology Research Center, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York 12222.

Plant Physiology
|May 1, 1974
PubMed
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Researchers developed novel microelectrodes for plant cell impalement. Using agar or gelatin fillings prevents damage, ensuring stable electrical potential measurements in algae like Nitella translucens.

Area of Science:

  • Plant electrophysiology
  • Cell biology
  • Biophysical techniques

Background:

  • Standard microelectrodes often suffer increased resistance when impaling plant cells due to cytoplasmic influx.
  • This resistance increase can lead to irreversible damage and inaccurate measurements of cellular potentials.
  • A need exists for robust microelectrodes that maintain integrity during plant cell impalement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer microelectrodes capable of withstanding plant cell hydrostatic pressure.
  • To prevent cytoplasmic content movement into the electrode tip during impalement.
  • To maintain stable electrode resistance for accurate potential recordings in plant cells.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of microelectrodes with a 1- to 2-micrometer tip diameter.

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  • Filling microelectrodes with either 1% agar or 5% gelatin in 2 M potassium chloride (KCl).
  • Testing the performance of these modified electrodes in freshwater algae (Nitella translucens and Mougeotia sp.).

    • Main Results:

    • The agar and gelatin-filled microelectrodes successfully withstood plant cell hydrostatic pressure upon impalement.
    • Cytoplasmic contents were prevented from entering the electrode tips, avoiding resistance increases.
    • Recorded potentials in Nitella translucens and Mougeotia sp. were comparable to those from standard 2 M KCl electrodes.

    Conclusions:

    • Modified microelectrodes using agar or gelatin fillings offer a reliable method for plant cell impalement.
    • These electrodes maintain stable electrical properties, crucial for accurate electrophysiological studies in plants.
    • The technique provides a viable alternative to standard electrodes, minimizing measurement artifacts.