Planta

, Volume 179, Issue 4, pp 421–427 | Cite as

Light-promoted changes in apoplastic K+ activity in the Samanea saman pulvinus, monitored with liquid membrane microelectrodes

  • Cara Zucker Lowen
  • Ruth L. Satter
Article
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Accepted:

Abstract

The movement of Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merrill leaflets is a consequence of the re-distribution of K+ and anions between motor cells on opposite sides of the pulvinus. We used a K+-sensitive microelectrode to study dynamic changes in K+ transport through motor-cell membranes during and immediately after change in illumination. Potassium-ion-sensitive and reference microelectrodes were inserted into extensor or flexor tissue of a whole pulvinus in white light (WL). A brief pulse of red light (RL) followed by darkness (D) (a) increased K+ activity in the extensor apoplast, indicating K+ release by the protoplast; and (b) decreased K+ activity in the flexor apoplast, indicating K+ uptake by the protoplast. White light after 35–40 min D reversed K+ activity in the extensor apoplast to approximately its original value. Blue light substituted partially for WL in this regard. Potassium-ion activity in the flexor apoplast reverted to approximately its original value after 2 h, with or without white illumination. Our data support the hypothesis that K+ efflux from extensor cells and K+ uptake by flexor cells following a WL→RL→D transition occurs by way of K+ channels.

Key words

Apoplastic potassium activity Light effect on potassium fluxes Potassium channels Pulvinus Samanea 

Abbreviations

L

light

WL

white light

RL

red light

BL

blue light

D

darkness

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • Cara Zucker Lowen
    • 1
  • Ruth L. Satter
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUSA

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