The Water to Solute Permeability Ratio Governs the Osmotic Volume Dynamics in Beetroot Vacuoles.

ABSTRACT: Plant cell vacuoles occupy up to 90% of the cell volume and, beyond their physiological function, are constantly subjected to water and solute exchange. The osmotic flow and vacuole volume dynamics relies on the vacuole membrane -the tonoplast- and its capacity to regulate its permeability to both water and solutes. The osmotic permeability coefficient (P_f ) is the parameter that better characterizes the water transport when submitted to an osmotic gradient. Usually, P_f determinations are made in vitro from the initial rate of volume change, when a fast (almost instantaneous) osmolality change occurs. When aquaporins are present, it is accepted that initial volume changes are only due to water movements. However, in living cells osmo

SUBMITTER: Vitali V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5024706 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature