Effects of temperature and oxygen depletion on metabolic rates of tomato and carrot cell cultures and cuttings measured by calorimetry

Abstract. Isothermal heat-conductance calorimetry was used to monitor responses of tomato and carrot metabolism to changes in temperature and oxygen concentrations. Calorimetric measurements of metabolic heat evolution from tissue segments and cultured cells was found to be a sensitive, nondestructive estimate of metabolic rates. Short-term measurements of metabolic rates of cells in culture correlate well with calorimetric measurements made on tissue sections. The results accurately predict the growth properties of intact plants based on the generally recognized characteristics of these two species. The calorimetric method provides another means for rapid evaluation of plant responses to physical and chemical stresses and is of value for screening and selection.