Rapid Membrane Potential Responses for Gravistimulation in Bean Roots

The membrane potential distributions and the dynamic changes of two day old bean roots under gravistimulation were shown by glass-micro electrode techniques. The electrodes held by three dimensional hydraulic micro-drives were strictly inserted into elongating cortical cells. Membrane potentials, root inclinations and the position of the cortical cells were measured simultaneously. Gravistimulus electrogenic components were distribute in the elongating region and these electric distributions were reconstituted within 30sec of the gravistimulation changes. The reconstitution was more rapid than the hormonal translations.