Lateral electrical potential following asymmetric auxin application to maize coleoptiles

Following asymmetric application of indoleacetic acid to maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles the early time course of changes in lateral electrical potential was externally monitored with static-drop electrodes. First, an early negative potential change of ca.-1 mV was measured at the surface on the side of a strong auxin application. This negative auxin effect ended after ca. 15 min and was followed by a strong and lasting auxin stimulation of a positive lateral potential up to +12 mV at the auxin-treated side. The initial auxin effect appeared to depend on the size of the step-up in auxin concentration.