Summary
Recent reviews have denied the applicability of the classical theory of stomatal movement. The newer explanations are shown to be incorrect, and the major objections to the classical theory invalid. Nevertheless, the classical theory needs to be modified. If the decisive factor is assumed to be carboxylic acid (RCOOH) rather than CO2 concentration, all the known facts can be explained. Two predictions of this modified classical theory were vindicated. The proposed relationship of stomatal opening to RCOOH concentration is illustrated schematically.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Archbold, H. K.: Fructosans in the monocotyledons. A review. New Phytologist 39, 185–219 (1940).
Benson, A. A., M. Calvin, V. A. Haas, S. Aronoff, A. G. Hall, S. A. Bassham, and J. W. Weigl: C14 in photosynthesis. In: Photosynthesis in plants (J. Franck and W.E. Loomis, eds.), p. 381–402. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State College Press 1949.
Bieleski, R. L.: Accumulation of phosphate, sulfate and sucrose by excised phloem tissue. Plant Physiol. 41, 447–454 (1966).
Bruinsma, J.: Studies on the Crassulacean acid metabolism. Acta bot. neerl. 7, 531–590 (1958).
Dixon, M., and E. C. Webb: Enzymes. New York: Academic Press 1963.
Ewart, M. H., D. Siminovitch, and D. R. Briggs: Studies on the chemistry of the living bark of the black locust tree in relation to frost hardiness. VI. Amylase and phosphorylase systems of the bark tissue. Plant Physiol. 28, 629–644 (1953).
Gibbs, M.: Carbohydrates: their role in plant metabolism and nutrition. In: Plant physiol (F. C. Steward, ed.), vol. IV B, p. 3–115. New York, London: Academic Press 1966.
Glinka, Z., and L. Reinhold: Rapid changes in permeability of cell membranes to water brought about by carbon dioxide and oxygen. Plant Physiol. 37, 481–486 (1962).
Heath, O. V. S., T. A. Mansfield, and H. Meidner: Light-induced stomatal opening and the postulated role of glycollic acid. Nature (Lond.) 207, 960–962 (1965).
—, and B. Orchard: Studies in stomatal behavior. VII. Effects of anaerobic conditions upon stomatal movement — a test of Williams' hypothesis of stomatal mechanism. J. exp. Bot. 7, 315–325 (1956).
Ketellapper, H. J.: Stomatal physiology. Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 14, 249–270 (1963).
Leloir, L. F., M. A. Rongine de Fereti and C. E. Cardini: Starch and oligosaccharide synthesis from uridine diphosphate glucose. J. biol. Chem. 236, 636–641 (1961).
Levitt, J.: Thermodynamics of active water absorption. Plant Physiol. 22, 514–525 (1947).
—: Further remarks on the thermodynamics of active (non-osmotic) water absorption. Physiol. Plantarum (Kbh.) 6, 240–252 (1953).
—: Steady state versus equilibrium thermodynamics in the concept of “active” water absorption. Physiol. Plantarum (Kbh.) 7, 592–594 (1954).
—: Do plants absorb water against a gradient? Eighth Internat. Bot. Congr. 11, 213–215 (1954).
Meidner, H., and T. A. Mansfield: Stomatal responses to illumination. Biol. Rev. 40, 483–509 (1965).
Newman, E. I., and P. J. Kramer: Effects of decenylsuccinic acid on the permeability and growth of bean roots. Plant Physiol. 41, 606–609 (1966).
Nishida, K.: Studies on stomatal movement of crassulacean plants in relation to the acid metabolism. Physiol. Plantarum (Kbh.) 16, 281–298 (1963).
Ordin, L., T. H. Applewhite, and J. Bonner. Auxin-induced water uptake by Avena coleoptile sections. Plant Physiol. 31, 44–53 (1956).
Scarth, G. W., and M. Shaw: Stomatal movement and photosynthesis in Pelargonium. II. Effects of water deficit and of chloroform: photosynthesis in guard cells. Plant Physiol. 26, 581–597 (1951).
Siegenthaler, P.-A., and L. Packer: Light-dependent volume changes and reactions in chloroplasts. I. Action of alkenylsuccinic acids and phenylmercuric acetate and possible relation to mechanisms of stomatal control. Plant Physiol. 40, 785–791 (1965).
Stålfelt, M. G.: Die stomatäre Transpiration und die Physiologie der Spaltöffnungen. In: Handbuch der Pflanzenphysiologie, Bd. 3, S. 351–426, Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1956.
Thimann, K. V., and E. W. Samuel: The permeability of potato tissue to water. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 41, 1029–1033 (1955).
Williams, W. T.: A new theory of the mechanism of stomatal movement. J. exp. Bot. 5, 343–352 (1954).
Zelitch, I.: Biochemical control of stomatal opening in leaves. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 47, 1423–1433 (1961).
—: Environmental and biochemical control of stomatal movement in leaves. Biol. Rev. 40, 463–482 (1965).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Levitt, J. The mechanism of stomatal action. Planta 74, 101–118 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00388323
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00388323