Spatiotemporal dynamics of the electrical network activity in the root apex

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Mar 10;106(10):4048-53. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0804640106. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

The study of electrical network systems, integrated with chemical signaling networks, is becoming a common trend in contemporary biology. Classical techniques are limited to the assessment of signals from doublets or triplets of cells at a fixed temporal bin width. At present, full characteristics of the electrical network distribution and dynamics in plant cells and tissues has not been established. Here, a 60-channels multielectrode array (MEA) is applied to study spatiotemporal characteristics of the electrical network activity of the root apex. Both intense spontaneous electrical activities and stimulation-elicited bursts of locally propagating electrical signals have been observed. Propagation of the spikes indicates the existence of excitable traveling waves in plants, similar to those observed in non-nerve electrogenic tissues of animals. Obtained data reveal synchronous electric activities of root cells emerging in a specific root apex region. The dynamic electrochemical activity of root apex cells is proposed to continuously integrate internal and external signaling for developmental adaptations in a changing environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Calcium / pharmacology
  • Electrodes
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / drug effects
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Glutamic Acid / pharmacology
  • Kinetics
  • Meristem / drug effects
  • Meristem / physiology
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Zea mays / cytology
  • Zea mays / drug effects
  • Zea mays / physiology*

Substances

  • Glutamic Acid
  • Calcium