Detecting electrical network activity in root apex of Zea mays (L.) by multielectrode arrays (MEAs).

The study of electrical network systems, integrated with chemical signalling networks, is a common trend in contemporary biology of electrically excitable cells of many multicellular organisms. At present, in plants, despite most cells are electrically excitable and active, full characteristics of the electrical network distribution and dynamics has not been established. Here, a 60-channels multielectrode array (MEA) is applied to study spatiotemporal characteristics of the electrical network activity of the root apex. Both intense spontaneous electrical activities and locally propagating electrical signals have been observed. Propagation of the spikes indicates the existence of excitable travelling waves in plants, similar to those observed in non-nerve electrogenic tissues of animals. Obtained data reveal synchronous electric activities of root cells emerging in a specific root apex region. The dynamic electrochemical activity of root apex cells is proposed to continuously integrate internal and external signalling for developmental adaptations in a changing environment.