The Gravitropic Response Chain of Roots: New Perspectives

Abstract

The interaction between the cytoskeleton and statoliths as well as the involvement of cytoskeletal tension modulated by the interaction must be kept in mind when considering the perception of gravity. Signals of unknown nature but having an electrical component which can be detected extracellularly propagated with a velocity of 3-9 mm/s along an intrasymplasmic continuous system may be involved in the transmission of the gravity effect perceived in the root cap and during the graviresponse in the elongation zone. This fast signal may precede a hormone effect on cell elongation so that the graviresponse begins with a curvature in a relatively small part of the elongation zone.