Summary
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1.
The growth of theAvena coleoptile in buffer solutions of different pH has been investigated. The formation of curvatures in acid solutions by plants having the epidermis removed from one side has been confirmed.
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2.
Acid solutions increase the growth rate by increasing the cell wall plasticity. Increase of cell wall plasticity is known to result from the action of growth substance.
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3.
The increase of growth rate in acid buffers is inhibited by HCN concentrations of the same order as those which inhibit the increase of growth rate due to growth substance.
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4.
There is no increase in cell-acidity under the influence of growth substance.
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5.
There is growth substance present in the plant even after the hormone producing tip is removed.
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6.
The increase of growth rate with decrease ofinternal pH follows closely the increase of non-dissociated acid with decrease of pH in a solution of the weak acid, growth substance.
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7.
From the foregoing it is concluded that the increase of growth rate in acid buffers is due to the conversion of growth substance already in the plant from an inactive salt form to an active non-dissociated form.
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The author wishes to express his appreciation to Dr. W. D.Bonner for his assistance in the pH determinations and to thank Dr F.Went and Dr. K. V.Thimann for their aid and suggestions.
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Bonner, J. The relation of hydrogen ions to the growth rate of the Avena coleoptile. Protoplasma 21, 406–423 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984529
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984529