title: Effects of Mercuric Chloride on the Hydraulic Conductivity of Tomato Root Systems (Evidence for a Channel-Mediated Water Pathway).
abstract: A pressure-flux approach was used to evaluate the effects of HgCl2 on water transport in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) roots. Addition of HgCl2 to a root-bathing solution caused a large and rapid reduction in pressure-induced root water flux; the inhibition was largely reversible upon addition of [beta]-mercaptoethanol. Root system hydraulic conductivity was reduced by 57%. There was no difference between treatments in the K+ concentration in xylem exudate. The results are consistent with the presence of a protein-mediated path for transmembrane water flow in tomato roots.
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1165.
authors.forename: A.
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maggio
authors.forename: R. J.
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Joly