Abstract
The effects of Ca2+ in the external medium on intact mung bean roots under high NaCl stress were investigated. With increasing external concentrations of NaCl, mung bean roots showed suppression of elongation and a decrease in the intracellular concentration of K+. Addition of Ca2+ to the external medium alleviated the inhibition of root elongation under the high NaCl stress and maintained a high intracellular concentration of K+ in the elongating region of the roots. This counter effect of Ca2+ against the NaCl stress on roots was correlated with the ratio of [Ca2+]/[Na+]2 in the external medium. A value above 5.0 × 10-4 mM-1 resulted in almost complete recovery of root elongation under various high concentrations of NaCl. Root elongation for 24 h under NaCl stress was correlated with the extent to which the intracellular concentration of K+ was in excess of 10 mM. Maintenance of an adequate concentration of K+ in root cells is essential for root elongation under salt stress. These findings indicate that Ca2+ prevents the leakage of intracellular K+ and thereby supports the elongation of roots under salt stress.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 815-821 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Plant and Cell Physiology |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1990 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Ca2+
- Intracellular concentration of K+
- Mung bean (Vigna mungo)
- NaCl
- Root elongation
- Salt stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Plant Science
- Cell Biology