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. 1992 Oct;100(2):762–768. doi: 10.1104/pp.100.2.762

Induction of Curvature in Maize Roots by Calcium or by Thigmostimulation 1

Role of the Postmitotic Isodiametric Growth Zone

Hideo Ishikawa 1, Michael L Evans 1
PMCID: PMC1075624  PMID: 11537870

Abstract

We examined the response of primary roots of maize (Zea mays L. cv Merit) to unilateral application of calcium with particular attention to the site of application, the dependence on growth rate, and possible contributions of thigmotropic stimulation during application. Unilateral application of agar to the root cap induced negative curvature whether or not the agar contained calcium. This apparent thigmotropic response was enhanced by including calcium in the agar. Curvature away from objects applied unilaterally to the extreme root tip occurred both in intact and detipped roots. When agar containing calcium chloride was applied to one side of the postmitotic isodiametric growth zone (a region between the apical meristem and the elongation zone), the root curved toward the side of application. This response could not be induced by plain agar. We conclude that curvature away from calcium applied to the root tip results from a thigmotropic response to stimulation during application. In contrast, curvature toward calcium applied to the postmitotic isodiametric growth zone results from direct calcium-induced inhibition of growth.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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