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. 1984 Jun;81(11):3379–3383. doi: 10.1073/pnas.81.11.3379

Mechanisms of cytoplasmic pH regulation in hypoxic maize root tips and its role in survival under hypoxia.

J K Roberts, J Callis, D Wemmer, V Walbot, O Jardetzky
PMCID: PMC345511  PMID: 6587355

Abstract

We show that a transient lactic fermentation provides the signal triggering ethanol production in hypoxic maize root tips. The signal is cytoplasmic pH. This interaction between lactic and ethanolic fermentation permits tight cytoplasmic pH regulation during hypoxia--cytoplasmic pH remaining near neutrality for several hours. Mutant roots unable to synthesize ethanol can neither regulate cytoplasmic pH nor maintain ATP levels during extended periods of hypoxia and, like vertebrate tissues, are less tolerant of hypoxia than normal maize. This indicates that cytoplasmic pH regulation is an important factor in survival under hypoxia.

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Selected References

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