Summary
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1.
The effect of mechanical stimulation of a portion of the onion root is to reduce, or reverse the sign of, the inherent E.M.F. of the cells of the stimulated region.
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2.
The effect upon the inherent E.M.F. of a length of root including the stimulated region is dependent upon the direction of fall of potential across the latter. Stimulation of a region whose apical end is positive in the external circuit produces a fall of total potential, while stimulation of a region whose basal end is positive produces a rise in total potential. The effect is instantaneous in all cases.
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3.
There is no transmission of electrical effect from the stimulated region as shown by: (a) Absence of diphasic variation when stimuli are applied between the electrodes; (b) Absence of any effect when stimuli are applied outside the electrodes; (c) Adequacy of the quadrant electrometer to register the passage of impulses whose velocity does not exceed that of the slower waves recorded for Mimosa; (d) Existence of a negative condition in the stimulated cells as shown by moving the nearer electrode to include the stimulated region.
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4.
Lund's theory of the origin of bioelectric currents is shown to offer a simple and logical explanation of the facts.
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The writer wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. E. J.Lund for his many helpful suggestions end criticisms.
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Marsh, G. The effect of mechanical stimulation on the inherent E.M.F. of polar tissues. Protoplasma 11, 497–520 (1930). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01614365
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01614365