Bioelectric Oscillations of Bean Roots: Further Evidence For a Feedback Oscillator I. Extracellular Response to Oscillations in Osmotic Pressure and Auxin

Abstract

Bean roots subjected to oscillations in osmotic pressure or in the auxin concentration of their weakly conducting bathing medium exhibit corresponding oscillations in their bioelectric fields with a resonance at the natural period of oscillation (approximately 5 minutes). The amplitude and phase responses, expressed as a function of the periods of the applied oscillations, are in agreement with those predicted from a theoretical model of a feedback loop. A physiological model compatible with the theoretical one is suggested.