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Rhythmic and phytochrome-regulated changes in transmembrane potential in Samanea pulvini

Nature volume 255, pages 408–410 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

NYCTINASTIC plants such as Albizzia julibrissin, Mimosa pudica and Samanea saman have compound leaves with paired leaflets which are usually horizontal (open) during daylight and vertical (closed) at night, oscillating between these positions with a circadian rhythm during long dark periods1–3. The angle of a leaflet is determined by the relative turgour of motor cells on opposite sides of the pulvinus, an organ which subtends the leaflet. Extensor cells are turgid and flexor cells are flaccid when leaflets are open and vice versa when they are closed. This is regulated by movements of potassium2,4–8, which is high in turgid cells and low in flaccid cells. Inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation and low temperatures impede opening and promote closure, suggesting that active transport predominates during opening, while diffusion is favoured during closure4,8–10.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, 05401

    RICHARD RACUSEN

  2. Biology Department, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520

    RUTH L. SATTER

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  1. RICHARD RACUSEN
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  2. RUTH L. SATTER
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RACUSEN, R., SATTER, R. Rhythmic and phytochrome-regulated changes in transmembrane potential in Samanea pulvini. Nature 255, 408–410 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255408a0

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