Effect of Ultrasound on Plant Cells

Abstract

1. Cells exposed to ultrasound, even though no immediate histological changes is discernible microscopically, are found to be damaged through the observation of pattern of plasmolysis.
2. When the cells are exposed to ultrasound in hypertonic solution the time required for plasmolysis is extremely shotened the relationship between the time required and the intensity of irradiation was investigated.
3. The destruction of plasmolyzed cells was also found to be accelerated by ultrasound; the intensity-effect relationship involved was also examined quantitatively.
4. The cause of the above-described changes induced by the ultrasound is discussed.
The present author wishes to express his sincere thanks to Prof. A. Takamiya, Prof. O. Nomoto and Prof. M. Sugita for their advise and criticism. His hearty thanks are also due to Dr. M. Marutake and Dr. E. Fukada for their interest and suggestions.