Effect of amino acid L-asparagine on electrical signalling of single Nitellopsis obtusa (Characeaen) cell was investigated using glass-microelectrode technique in current-clamp and voltage-clamp modes. Cell exposure for 30 min to 0.1 mM and 1 mM of asparagine resulted in changes of electrically stimulated action potential (AP) parameters in comparison to standard conditions. Results indicate that asparagine acts in dose-dependent manner: increases AP amplitude by hyperpolarizing AP threshold potential (Eth), prolongs action potential repolarization, increases maximum Cl- efflux amplitude along with the increase of activation and inactivation durations. Presented findings provide new aspects of exogenous amino acids' effect on plants' electrical signalling with emphasis on separate single plant cell excitability and AP characteristics.
Keywords: AP amplitude; Amino acids; Cl− efflux; Electrical signalling; Nitellopsis; Voltage-clamp.