Proton kinetics through the cuticle layer in maize

Abstract

A Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine the dependence between the thickness of the cuticle layer of coleoptiles and the spectra of the H? ions (i.e., protons) passing through this layer, which is treated as a potential barrier. The apparently simplistic model of a walled cylinder filled with H? ions propagating through the cuticle layer was solved in silico. We showed that the thickness of the cuticle layer clearly influences the intensity of the efflux of protons, which changes the pH of the surrounding solution. Then, diffusion and cross-correlation data for maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptile growth and H? ion extrusion were probed in an experiment and compared with the Monte Carlo computation results. Ex vivo experiments for the control (APW), auxin (IAA) and fusicoccin (FC) were conducted. The transition from time-delayed pH—(abrasion time) cross-correlation to proton efflux that was not retarded was obtained, thus confirming the canvas that constitutes the acid growth hypothesis and the rationale that was accepted for the derivation of the ‘equation of state’ for plants.