Elicitor-Induced Changes in Ca2+ Influx, K+ Efflux, and 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Synthesis in Protoplasts of Daucus carota L.

Suspension-cultured carrot cells (Daucus carota) and their protoplasts respond to a fungal elicitor prepared from the culture medium of Pythium aphanidermatum by accumulating 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA). Protoplasts release the compound into the culture medium. Using 45CaCl2 as a tracer, we were able to demonstrate that the secretion of 4-HBA is preceded by a rapid increase in the Ca2+ influx and a concomitant K+ efflux. If the increased Ca2+ influx was prevented by ethyleneglycol-bis([beta]-aminoethylether)-N,N[prime]-tetraacetic acid, 4-HBA synthesis was inhibited by 70%. These results are discussed with regard to signal transduction from the plasma membrane to the nucleus of carrot protoplasts.