The effect of auxin on cell volume elastic modulus in storage tissue of Helianthus tuberosus

Abstract

Linear displacement transducers were used to study the effect on elasticity of exogenous indole acetic acid (IAA) applied to aged sections of parenchyma storage tissues of Helianthus tuberosus. The treated sections were found to have a decreased cell volume elastic modulus, by about 25% relative to controls after 1 day in auxin, and by about 80% relative to controls for periods of 2 days to more than 9 days in auxin. The theory and some possible difficulties associated with the measurements are discussed.