Certain properties of hypocotyl of Impatiens balsamina reflecting physiological complexity

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Abstract
Respiration, epidermal hair and lateral root formation, and anthocyanin synthesis were investigated in segments of the hypocotyl of L balsamina. Respiration, per cell, is maximal at a point 8-10 mm below the cotyledons in 50 mm hypocotyls. This position corresponds to a pseudomeristematic region in the hypocotyl. Epidermal hair formation is favored in darkness and sucrose is more effective than glucose. The upper segments form more hairs than do the lower segments. Root formation is earlier in sucrose than in glucose. The number of roots eventually formed in segments at various positions is somewhat equivalent. Anthocyanin pigment does not form in light or darkness in excised hypocotyl segments without added sugar. Glucose is slightly more effective than sucrose, and more pigment is formed in the light. The responses of segment 1 (nearest the cotyledons) are usually distinctive in comparison with the responses of other segments.