Application of the Chemiosmotic Hypothesis to Ion Transport Across the Root

The evidence on how ions accumulated in the root symplasm are released to the xylem vessels is examined. It is suggested that Mitchell's chemiosmotic hypothesis as applied to ion transport might account for the process. A model based on this hypothesis shows the symplasm as an osmotic unit connecting two isolated solutions, but with no significant difference in proton motive force across the unit. If it is assumed that the resistance to transport by plasmalemma uniports and antiports differs in the cortical and stelar ends of the symplasm, the model will provide for an influx of ions to the xylem. The reported properties of isolated steles suggests that the porters (carriers) do have properties in accord with the model.