Wound-Induced Changes of Membrane Voltage, Endogenous Currents, and Ion Fluxes in Primary Roots of Maize

The effects of mechanical wounding on membrane voltage, endogenous ion currents, and ion fluxes were investigated in primary roots of maize (Zea mays) using intracellular microelectrodes, a vibrating probe, and ion-selective electrodes. After a wedge-shaped wound was cut into the proximal elongation zone of the roots, a large inward current of approximately 60 [mu]A cm-2 was measured, together with a change in the current pattern along the root. The changes of the endogenous ion current were accompanied by depolarization of the membrane voltage of cortex cells up to 5 mm from the wound. Neither inhibitors of ion channels nor low temperature affected the large, wound-induced inward current. The fluxes of H+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- contributed only about 7 [mu]A cm-2 to the wound-induced ion current. This suggests the occurrence of a large mass flow of negatively charged molecules, such as proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, and galacturonic acids, from the wound. Natural wounding of the root cortex by developing lateral roots caused an outwardly directed current, which was clearly different in magnitude and direction from the current induced by mechanical injury.