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© 1996 Oxford University Press

RESEARCH-ARTICLE

Cessation of cell elongation in rye coleoptiles is accompanied by a loss of cell-wall plasticity

U. Kutschera1

FB 19 Pflanzenphysiologie, Universität Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str 40, D-34109 Kassel, Germany

1Fax: + 49 561 804 4009

The mechanism by which endogenous cessation of coleoptile elongation after emergence of the primary leaf is brought about was investigated in rye seedlings (Secale cereale L.) that were either grown in darkness or irradiated with continuous white light. In 3-d-old etiolated (growing) coleoptiles a turgor pressure of 0.59 MPa was measured. In 6-d-old coleoptiles, which had ceased to elongate, cell turgor was 0.51 MPa and thus only 13% lower than in the rapidly growing organ. Hence, the driving force for growth (turgor) is largely maintained. Cell-wall plasticity (Epl) and elasticity (EQl were determined with a constant load extensiometer both in vivo (turgid coleoptile segments) and in vitro (frozen-thawed samples). Cessation of coleoptile elongation was correlated with a 95% reduction in Epl9 whereas EQl was only slightly affected. Extension kinetics were measured with living and frozen-thawed segments cut from growing and non-growing coleoptiles. The corresponding stress-strain (load-extension) curves indicate that the cell wall of the growing coleoptile behaves like an elastic-plastic material whereas that of the non-growing organ shows the behaviour of an elastic solid. These data demonstate that Epl represents a true plastic (irreversible) deformation of the cell wall. It is concluded that cessation of coleoptile growth after emergence of the primary leaf is attributable to a loss of cell-wall plasticity. Hence, a mechanical stiffening of the cell wall and not a loss of turgor pressure may be responsible for the deceleration of cell elongation in the rye coleoptile.

Key words: Extension growth, rye coleoptile, cell-wall extensibility, turgor pressure


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