Effects of UV‐C radiation on extension growth, H+‐extrusion and transmembrane electric potential in maize coleoptile segments

Abstract

The effect of 253.7 nm ultraviolet radiation on elongation growth, medium acidification and changes in electric potential difference between vacuole and external medium in cells of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptile segments was investigated. It was found that irradiation with 390, 1170, 3900 and 5 850 J m−2 UV‐C (ultraviolet radiation 253.7 nm) inhibited elongation growth, whereas at 195 J m−2 stimulation of growth was observed. The administration of IAA (10−5M) to the incubation medium of coleoptile segments partially abolished the inhibitory effect of UV‐C. The pH of the incubation medium, measured simultaneously with growth, showed that the exposure of the segments to UV‐C caused inhibition of H+‐extrusion (or stimulation of H+ uptake). The presence of IAA (10−5M) in the incubation medium promoted (except after 5850 J m−2 irradiation) H+‐extrusion to a level comparable with that produced by IAA in non‐irradiated segments. In UV‐C irradiated segments the potential difference underwent significant alterations. Irradiation of coleoptile segments with 390 J m−2 caused a transient depolarization, which was fully reversible within 30 min, while at higher doses depolarization was irreversible. The hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (MP) in cells of maize coleoptile induced by IAA was completely nullified by subsequent irradiation with UV‐C. It is suggested that UV‐C inhibited IAA‐induced growth by a mechanism independent of cell wall acidification.