The Analysis of Growth and Cell Production in Root Apices

Abstract

One-dimensional Eulerian continuity equations enable rates of cell production or of mass influx to be calculated at positions along a root axis, provided the distributions of growth velocity and of cell density or mass are known and steady-state conditions of growth obtain. The use of the equations is illustrated with calculations based on data of Erickson and Sax for Zea mays roots. A continuity equation provides a clear analysis of relationships between growth and cell production rates and can be used in place of the equation Erickson and Sax used to analyze their data.