Direct measurement of water capacity of Beta vulgaris storage tissue sections using a displacement transducer and resulting values for cell membrane hydraulic conductivity

Abstract

The water capacity of red beet (Beta vulgaris) storage tissue is measured as a function of water potential. These measurements use a linear displacement transducer to measure equilibrium tissue section thickness as a function of bathing solution osmotic pressure. The water potential equilibration time constant of the tissue as a function of water potential is also measured, using the applied force method. The water capacity and time constant data are combined to provide values for the hydraulic conductivity of the cell membrane.