Short-term effects of plant hormones on membrane potential and membrane permeability of dwarf maize coleoptile cells (Zea mays L. d 1) in comparison with growth responses.

The membrane potential difference of dwarf maize coleoptile cells is increased by both 10(-5)moll(-1) gibberellic acid (GA3) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) a few minutes after application. A final level is reached after 10-20 min. The membrane permeability ratio P Na:P K is altered by both hormones during the first 15 min after application, indicating a rapid effect on the membrane. Elongation growth of coleoptile segments, however, is only stimulated by IAA. The auxin-induced growth as well as the auxin effect on membrane permeability depends on the calcium ion concentration of the medium. It is concluded that IAA acts via a proton extrusion pump that is electrically balanced by a potassium ion uptake, driven by the electromotive force of the pump. The mode of action of GA3 on elongation growth is assumed to involve a process that depends on the physiologic state of the tissue and/or metabolic energy.