Origin of growth-induced water potential

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Plant Physiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6473390

Nonami, H; Boyer, J S

The authors developed a new method to measure the solute concentration in the apoplast of stem tissue involving pressurizing the roots of intact seedlings (Glycine max (L.) Merr. or Pisum sativum L.), collecting a small amount of exudate from the surface of the stem under saturating humidities, and determining the osmotic potential of the solution with a micro-osmometer capable of measuring small volumes (0.5 microliter). In the elongating region, the apoplast concentrations were very low (equivalent to osmotic potentials of -0.03 to -0.04 megapascal) and negligible compared to the water potential of the apoplast (-0.15 to -0.30 megapascal) measured directly by isopiestic psychrometry in intact plants. Most of the apoplast water potential consisted of a negative pressure that could be measured with a pressure chamber (-0.15 to -0.28 megapascal). Tests showed that earlier methods involving infiltration of intercellular spaces or pressurizing cut segments caused solute to be released to the apoplast and resulted in spuriously high concentrations. These results indicate that, although a small amount of solute is present in the apoplast, the major component is a tension that is part of a growth-induced gradient in water potential in the enlarging tissue. The gradient originates from the extension of the cell walls, which prevents turgor from reaching its maximum and creates a growth-induced water potential that causes water to move from the xylem at a rate that satisfies the rate of enlargement. The magnitude of the gradient implies that growing tissue contains a large resistance to water movement.

• Research Organization: Texas A and M Univ., College Station
• DOE Contract Number: FG05-84ER13273
• OSTI ID: 6473390
• Journal Information: Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 83:3; ISSN PLPHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

551000* -- Physiological Systems
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ABSORPTION
BACTERIA
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CELL WALL
DIFFUSION
GLYCINE HISPIDA
GROWTH
LEGUMINOSAE
MICROORGANISMS
OSMOSIS
PERMEABILITY
PISUM
PLANT GROWTH
PLANT STEMS
PLANTS
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
RHIZOBIUM
ROOT ABSORPTION
ROOTS
SEEDLINGS
SOLUTES
UPTAKE
WATER REQUIREMENTS