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Mapping membrane potential differences and dye-coupling in internodal tissues of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

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Abstract

Symplastic continuity in internodal tissues of tomato was investigated by electrophysiological and micro-injection techniques. Recordings of potential differences (pd) were combined with iontophoretic injection of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein (CF) and Lucifer Yellow CH (LYCH). Mapping of pds and dye-coupling respectively labeled the potential sites of major solute uptake and the spatial differentiation in symplast permeability. The cells of the central pith had low negative pds (−23 mV) and limited dye-coupling. In the pith periphery, pds (−43 mV) and dye-coupling were more pronounced. The pith was symplastically isolated from the secondary xylem. Axial contact cells (pd −54 to −109 mV) showed a strong dye-coupling within the vessel-enclosing sheath. No dye transfer was observed from the vessel sheaths to other cells. Fibre-tracheids and libriform wood fibres were dye-coupled. Ray cells (pd −39 to −94 mV) transported dye to adjacent fibres (pd −18 to −41 mV). The reverse was not observed. Except for a few cases of limited radial cell-cell transport, no dye movement through rays was observed. Cambium cells were connected mainly axially (ray cell initials) or both axially and tangentially (fusiform initials). Radial dye-coupling of cambium cells was rare. The limitations of the present approach and the significance of the differential symplast permeability for xylem-to-phloem transfer are discussed.

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Abbreviations

LYCH:

Lucifer Yellow CH

CF:

5,6-carboxyfluorescein

dcn:

dye-coupling number

pd:

membrane potential difference

Mr :

relative molecular mass

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We thank Dr. G. van Meer (Laboratory of Molecular Biology Medicine Faculty, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands) for helpful suggestions and providing laboratory facilities for liposome preparation and Dr. Ze Sheng Li (ORSTOM, J.F.R.S.D.C., Montpellier, France) for stimulating participation in experiments with liposomes. We thank Dr. J.F. Farrar (School of Biological Sciences, University College of North Wales, Bangor, UK) for helpful suggestions and correction of the text. Professor J. van Die (Botanical Laboratory, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands) is acknowledged for critical reading of the manuscript. This research was granted by the Netherlands organisation for scientific research, NWO.

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van der Schoot, C., van Bel, A.J.E. Mapping membrane potential differences and dye-coupling in internodal tissues of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Planta 182, 9–21 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00239977

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00239977

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