Analysis of Transient Changes in Fluid Exudation from Isolated Maize Roots

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Abstract
It was found that the fluid exudation rate from isolated maize roots rapidly decreases when the external concentration of various solutes is increased; thereafter a relatively slow increase to a new value occurs. An analysis of this transient phenomenon has been achieved on the basis that there is an active transport of salt (KCl) into a compartment within the root. Further, it has been assumed that fluid exudation is created by a net osmotic water flow into this compartment. Our analysis of the experimental data indicates that the volume of the compartment has a similar magnitude to the estimated total volume of the xylem vessels in the root. The transient curve obtained with some solutes (methanol, magnesium sulphate, mannitol, and raffinose) were significantly different from the usual response. An attempt to apply an appropriate diffusion equation to the initial phase of the transient curves showed that the time course of this phase may be interpreted as being controlled by the rate of solute diffusion towards an osmotic barrier within the root.

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