The Effect of Water Stress on Mitochondria of Root Cells

Water loss from root cells of Zea mays induced by exposure to severe water stress, caused a reduction in the respiratory rate (02 consumption) and at the same time an increase in activity of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (histochemical oxidation of diaminobenzidine). The connections between these changes and the changes in the fine structure of the mitochondria occuring in the stressed roots are discussed.