Electrical activity of the liverwort <i>Conocephalum conicum:</i> The all‐or‐nothing law, strength‐duration relation, refractory periods and intracellular potentials

Abstract

The characteristics of the potential changes caused by excitation of the thallus of Conocephalum conicum L. were investigated and compared with the basic criteria of an action potential. Electrical stimulation (square DC pulses) was applied, and extraand intracellular potentials were recorded. The all‐or‐nothing law, strength‐duration relation, refractory periods, and general characteristics of the changes of transmembrane potential difference were examined. The electrical phenomena occurring during the excitation of Conocephalum fulfil the basic criteria of an action potential. The results contribute additional evidence for the hypothesis that action potentials occur both in plants and in animals.