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Published on: July 2, 2015
Simulation of action potential propagation in plants
Vladimir Sukhov1, Vladimir Nerush, Lyubov Orlova
1Department of Biophysics, N.I. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarin Avenue, 23, 603950, Russia. vssuh@mail.ru
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|October 1, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a mathematical model for plant action potential propagation. Increased electrical conductivity enhances signal transmission, while higher H(+)-ATPase activity alters thresholds and slows propagation.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Computational biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Action potentials are key plant responses to environmental stimuli.
- Understanding plant electrical signal transmission is crucial but lacks detailed mathematical models.
- Previous models focused on single-cell action potential generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive mathematical model for action potential propagation in plants.
- To investigate the influence of cell-to-cell electrical conductivity and H(+)-ATPase activity on signal transmission.
- To simulate both active and passive electrical signal transmission in plant tissues.
Main Methods:
- Developed a two-dimensional mathematical model of excitable plant cells.
- Incorporated electrical coupling between neighboring cells and ion diffusion in the apoplast.
- Utilized a previously established model for single-cell action potential generation.
- Simulated signal transmission under varying conductivity and H(+)-ATPase activity.
Main Results:
- The model accurately simulates active and passive signal transmission.
- Increased cell-to-cell electrical conductivity enhances the length constant, propagation velocity, and temperature threshold.
- Elevated H(+)-ATPase activity increases temperature and membrane potential thresholds while reducing the length constant and propagation velocity.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a valuable tool for studying plant electrical signaling.
- Cell-to-cell electrical conductivity and H(+)-ATPase activity are critical modulators of action potential propagation.
- This research offers insights into how plants integrate environmental signals through electrical responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:41Action Potentials
Overview
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
01:28Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...