Study of Information Field in Morphogenesis of Plants (1st Report, Measurement of Bioelectric Potential Distribution on Callus Surface and around Primary Root)

In order to study the biological information system in plant, a measuring system for bioelectric potential distribution on the plant surface was newly designed and developed. The system includes a tissue culturing subsystem to measure bioelectric potential changes of callus continuously for more than 30 days in the process of redifferentiation. By using our sytem, biological potential distribution on the surface of the callus and electric field formed around the primary root were measured. Consequently, we found that bioelectric potential on the callus surface fluctuates in the vicinity of the position where a shoot will generate. And once shoot generated, the fluctuation disappears. Furthermore, we showed that patterns of the electric field formed around the primary root fluctuate and change prior to its growth, and the patterns are changed by other closely settled root. Accordingly, it is probable that the fluctuation and rhythm of bioelectric potential are related to generating information in differentiation and growth, and intercommunication between plants.