Effect of altered gravitational pull on cytoplasmic viscosity and protein concentration in plant cells
Tairbekov, M.G.; Rozov, A.N.
Kosmicheskaia Biologiia i Aviakosmicheskaia Meditsina 12(4): 76-77
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0321-5040 PMID: 682569 Document Number: 130483
Cytoplasmic viscosity and protein content were studied in corn root cells and coleoptiles subjected to conditions of continuous clinostat or centrifugation. Cytoplasmic viscosity in centrifuged cells exceeded that of controls by 10-12% in clinostated cells, but it did not differ significantly from controls. Protein content in centrifuged cells was almost 7% higher than the clinostated variant. Such changes may have many causes. The most probable is an irregular distribution of cell organelles in the cytoplasm caused by disruption of cytoplasmic circulation. The decrease in protein concentration in clinostated cells may be explained by an increase in carbohydrate accumulation. Cellulase activation was demonstrated under these conditions. Under conditions of increased gravitational force, preliminary morphometric and cytological analysis did not reveal increased growth, but intensification of protein synthesis and activation of metabolic processes occurred.