The in-vitro acid-growth response: Relation to in-vivo growth responses and auxin action

Summary We have examined in detail the characteristics of the hydrogen-ion extension response in frozen-thawed Avena coleoptile sections (in-vitro acid-growth response). These data allow us to compare the in vitro response with the in-vivo extension responses initiated by auxin and hydrogen ions. The in-vitro response has three characteristics in common with the in-vivo responses: a similar Q₁₀ (3–4 between 15 and 25°C, but almost 1 between 25 and 35°); a minimum yield stress; and a lack of stored growth (i.e., an inability to induce a potential for growth during periods of reduced wall tension). Both the in-vivo and in-vitro acid-growth responses have a threshold pH of about 4.5 and give an optimum response at pH values of 3 and below. These similarities suggest that the in-vitro and in-vivo acid-growth responses have a common wall-loosening and wall-extension mechanism. We have also examined the effects of Pronase, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), elevated temperatures, calcium, and potassium ions on the in-vitro acid-growth response. We suggest that hydrogen ions do not activate wall-associated enzymes, but act to hydrolyze non-enzymatically some acid-labile linkages in the cell wall. Furthermore, we suggest that auxin induces cell elongation either by causing the release of hydrogen ions from the protoplast or by causing the appearance in the wall of an enzyme which can hydrolyse the acid-labile linkages.