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Solute sorting in grass leaves: the transpiration stream

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Abstract

Solutes distribute differentially between leaf tissues and cells. The present study tested the hypothesis that certain solutes are supplied preferentially to the epidermis in the transpiration stream, by-passing mesophyll cells along bundle sheath extensions. Using energy dispersive X-ray analysis of extracted cell sap, the distribution of solutes was studied in the emerged zone (transpiring) and the elongation zone (non-transpiring) of the developing leaf three of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The basic distribution of Cl, K, P and Ca between epidermis and bulk tissue, and between cells within the epidermis, was similar in the two leaf regions. However, in the emerged zone differences in solute concentrations between tissues and cells were greater. A local reduction in transpiration rate along the emerged portion of the blade specifically prevented Ca from accumulating to high levels in epidermal cells close to stomata. It is concluded that differences in solute concentrations between epidermal cells and other leaf tissues can be established in the absence of transpiration, but that they require transpiration for their full expression. Peristomatal transpiration appears to be responsible for high Ca in interstomatal cells.

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Abbreviations

EDX-analysis :

Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis

IS-cell :

Interstomatal cell

R-cell :

Ridge cell

TR-cell :

Trough cell

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Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the University of Paisley for some financial support, and to Euan and Margaret for their help with analyses of grids at the scanning electron microscope. Thanks also to Tim Flowers and to two anonymous referees for very helpful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript. Research by the author is supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), UK.

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  1. Division of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK

    Wieland Fricke

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Correspondence to Wieland Fricke.

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Fricke, W. Solute sorting in grass leaves: the transpiration stream. Planta 219, 507–514 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-004-1262-1

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