Interaction of Gravity with Molecules and Membranes

Wiedemann, Meike; Kohn, Florian P. M.; Roesner, Harald; Hanke, Wolfgang

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-14472-1_6

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 12 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In 2001, Goldermann and Hanke showed for the first time that gravity influences the integral open state probability of ion channels providing a first explanation of the effects of gravity on electrical signalling [22]. Those findings were further confirmed by patch-clamp analysis [21]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…In fact, ion channels are integral membrane proteins, and they could be affected either directly or indirectly by gravity. Gravity could directly affect the protein integrity, whereas changes in the thermodynamical properties of the membrane could have an indirect effect on the ion channel functionality [ 21 ]. In 2001, Goldermann and Hanke showed for the first time that gravity influences the integral open state probability of ion channels providing a first explanation of the effects of gravity on electrical signalling [ 22 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Gravity Affects the Closure of the Traps inDionaea muscipula

Pandolfi

Masi

Voigt

et al. 2014

BioMed Research International

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis) is a carnivorous plant known for its ability to capture insects thanks to the fast snapping of its traps. This fast movement has been long studied and it is triggered by the mechanical stimulation of hairs, located in the middle of the leaves. Here we present detailed experiments on the effect of microgravity on trap closure recorded for the first time during a parabolic flight campaign. Our results suggest that gravity has an impact on trap responsiveness and on the kinetics of trap closure. The possible role of the alterations of membrane permeability induced by microgravity on trap movement is discussed. Finally we show how the Venus flytrap could be an easy and effective model plant to perform studies on ion channels and aquaporin activities, as well as on electrical activity in vivo on board of parabolic flights and large diameter centrifuges.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%