Action of Lindane on the Current-Voltage Relationship in the Plasma Membrane of Elodea under Passive Conditions
Abstract Side effects of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide Lindane on the plasma membrane of the submerged macrophytic fresh-water plant Elodea densa were studied. Single glass microelectrodes were inserted into single cells and membrane potential, membrane resistance and electrode resistance were recorded using a new designed electrophysiological monitoring system (“ELM 2”). The current-voltage relationship in the plasma membrane of Elodea cells under passive conditions is nearly linear for relaxing current pulses up to 10-8 amperes. Lindane treatment, produced first (3.5 hours) a strong nonlinearity in current-voltage relationship with increased membrane resistance for inward current flow, and later (24.5 hours) an increased membrane resistance both for inward and outward current flow. It is discussed that the earlier reported lowering of the potassium selectivity in the plasma membrane of Elodea after Lindane treatment will be the reason for the alterations of current-voltage relationship.