Spatial Distributions of Potassium, Solutes, and Their Deposition Rates in the Growth Zone of the Primary Corn Root (original) (raw)

Densities of osmoticum and potassium were measured as a function of distance from the tip of the primary root of Zea mays L. (cv WF9 x mol7). Millimeter segments were excised and analyzed for osmotic potential by a miniaturized freezing point depression technique, and for potassium by flame spectrophotometry. Local deposition rates were estimated from the continuity equation with values for density and growth velocity. Osmotic potential was uniform,-0.73 ± 0.05 megapascals, throughout the growth zone of well-watered roots. Osmoticum deposition rate was 260 uosmoles per gram fresh weight per hour. Potassium density fell from 117 micromoles per gram in the first mm region to 48 micromoles per gram at the base of the growth zone. Potassium deposition rates had a maximum of 29 micromoles per gram per hour at 3.5 millimeters from the tip and were positive (i.e. potassium was being added to the tissue) until 8 millimeters from the tip. The results are discussed in terms of ion relations of the growing zone and growth physics. h-'); t, time (h); z, longitudinal coordinate, distance from root tip (mm); vz, longitudinal growth velocity, rate of displacement from root tip (mm h-'); R(z), root radius at the location z mm from the tip (mm), 4&,, osmotic potential (MPa); S, amount of substance (K, solutes, or water) found in 1 mm of root length (nmol mm-' or mg mm-'); L, total strain rate or local relative rate of volume increase (h-'); Lz, longitudinal strain rate or relative elemental elongation rate (h-1).

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