Effect of laser irradiation on microviscosity of aqueous medium in imbibing maize seeds as studied with a spin probe method

Abstract

A spin probe method was used to study microviscosity of aqueous medium in embryos and endosperm of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds after their irradiation with a Lvov-1 Elektronika laser device. Based on parameters of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of nitroxyl radicals (probes) absorbed by imbibing seeds during water uptake, correlation times τC were determined for the rotational diffusion of probes in embryos and endosperm of seeds. The τC values were found smaller in embryos of irradiated seeds than in untreated seeds; the dependence of τC on the duration of seed imbibition was determined. It is concluded that laser irradiation of seeds decreases the microviscosity of aqueous medium in embryo cells and elevates the mobility of the probes. Effect of laser irradiation on τC in seed endosperm was less pronounced but also led to the increase in probe mobility.