To investigate the Fe(2+) effects on root tips in rice plant, experiments were carried out using border cells in vitro. The border cells were pre-planted in aeroponic culture and detached from root tips. Most border cells have a long elliptical shape. The number and the viability of border cells in situ reached the maxima of 1600 and 97.5%, respectively, at 20~25 mm root length. This mortality was more pronounced at the first 1~12 h exposure to 250 mg/L Fe(2+) than at the last 12~36 h. After 36 h, the cell viability exposed to 250 mg/L Fe(2+) decreased to nought, whereas it was 46.5% at 0 mg/L Fe(2+). Increased Fe(2+) dosage stimulated the death of detached border cells from rice cultivars. After 4 h Fe(2+) treatment, the cell viabilities were >/=80% at 0 and 50 mg/L Fe(2+) treatment and were <62% at 150, 250 and 350 mg/L Fe(2+) treatment; The viability of border cells decreased by 10% when the Fe(2+) concentration increased by 100 mg/L. After 24 h Fe(2+) treatment, the viabilities of border cells at all the Fe(2+) levels were <65%; The viability of border cells decreased by 20% when the Fe(2+) concentration increased by 100 mg/L. The decreased viabilities of border cells indicated that Fe(2+) dosage and treatment time would cause deadly effect on the border cells. The increased cell death could protect the root tips from toxic harm. Therefore, it may protect root from the damage caused by harmful iron toxicity.
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