The influence of calcium and low temperatures on Oryzaline-induced reactions of wheat roots : Physiological and biochemical aspects

Abstract

It was shown that the inhibitor of tubulin protein polymerization, oryzalin (10 µM) evoked structural changes in the principal part of microtubules in cells of wheat seedling rootsand brought about an increase in electrolyte exosmosis from the root tissue as well as an increase in cell wall lectin activity while soluble lectin activity and soluble protein content were decreased. After cold hardening of the seedlings at +3 °C for 7 days an increase of thespatial microtubule aggregation and a decrease of the oryzalin effect were noted. Exogenous CaCl2 (1mM) and the antagonist of the Ca2+-calmodulin complex, chlorpromazin (250 µM) influenced, possibly because of changes in the phosphorylation of proteins interacting with the microtubules and the membraneotrope action of these substances. It is assumed that the change of cytoskeleton stability brought about by the influence of the external stimuli is linked to the functioning of the cell signaling system, thus defining the biochemical and the physiological reactions of the plants.