Role of Differentiation of Root Epidermal Cells in Nod Factor-Induced Root Hair Depolarization of Medicago Sativa

The study found that the differentiation stage of epidermal cells and root hair development in Medicago sativa was crucial for the depolarization of root hairs induced by the Nod factor from Rhizobium meliloti. The electrical membrane response was concentration-dependent, with significant effects observed at 10^-8 and 10^-7 M concentrations of the Nod factor. This response was linked to morphological changes in root hairs at similar concentrations. The study also demonstrated specificity in the response, as unsulfated Nod molecules and synthetic N,N',N",N"'-tetraacetylchitotetraose were inactive, while O-acetylated Nod factors were as effective as sulfated ones in causing root-hair deformation and membrane depolarization.