Rapid response reactions of roots to boron deprivation
Goldbach HE, Yu Q, Wingender R, Schulz M, Wimmer M, Findeklee P, Baluška F
J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 164, 173-181 (2001)
 
Upon B removal from the nutrient solution, several response reactions of root cells can be measured within minutes. These include: reduction of cell wall elasticity modulus , increase of hydraulic conductivity, reduced activity of plasmalemma-bound inducible (NADH) reductase, (smaller) changes of the membrane potential, and liberation of Ca2+ (apoplastic and membrane-bound). The B most demanding (root) tissues are epidermal and outer cortical cells of the extension zone, xylem vessels, and root hair tips. Deprivation of B leads to morphological changes which can be noticed within hours to days, including browning of tissues, growth inhibition, death of apical meristems, and lack of root hairs. How the primary response reaction(s) lead to the expression of visible symptoms, however, is not yet clear. The present review summarizes rapid responses to B deprivation and shows several possibilities how primary might be linked to secondary reactions, including cytoskeleton-mediated responses.