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Gravitropism in plant stems may require ethylene
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 5, 1980
Summary
Ethylene is crucial for the gravitropic response in plants. Inhibiting ethylene synthesis or action delays the upward bending of shoots, indicating its essential role in plant growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Hormones
- Gravitropism
Background:
- Gravitropism is the directional growth of a plant in response to gravity.
- Ethylene is a plant hormone known to influence various growth processes.
- The role of ethylene in shoot gravitropism has been previously investigated with mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ethylene in the gravitropic response of mature dicot stems.
- To determine if ethylene synthesis or action is required for proper gravitropism.
Main Methods:
- Mature dicot stems were placed horizontally to induce gravitropism.
- Inhibitors of ethylene synthesis (cobaltous ion, aminoethoxyvinylglycine) were applied.
- Inhibitors of ethylene action (silver ion, carbon dioxide) were applied.
Main Results:
- Both ethylene synthesis inhibitors significantly delayed the gravitropic response.
- Both ethylene action inhibitors also significantly delayed the gravitropic response.
- These delays indicate a critical involvement of ethylene in the process.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene plays a necessary role in the gravitropic response of dicot shoots.
- The findings suggest that ethylene signaling is integral to gravity perception and/or transduction in shoots.
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