Hydrogel Control of Xylem Hydraulic Resistance in Plants

摘要: Increasing concentrations of ions flowing through the xylem plants produce rapid, substantial, and reversible decreases in hydraulic resistance. Changes resistance response to solution ion concentration, pH, nonpolar solvents are consistent with this process being mediated by hydrogels. The effect is localized intervessel bordered pits, suggesting that microchannels pit membranes altered swelling deswelling pectins, which known existence an ion-mediated breaks long-held paradigm as a system inert pipes suggests mechanism may regulate their internal flow regime.