The growing number of evidence suggests that in all the living organisms, cells generate high-frequency oscillations. Such oscillations of a cell's surface, may relate to well defined cellular functions, and not just be an epiphenomenon, however, their role remains enigmatic. The purpose of sonocytology is to explore the function and the origins of these oscillations.

Plant growth and morphogenesis are known to integrate mechanical cues. High intensity and low-frequency stimulation, such as the one induced by wind, is thought to stop the growth and produce a stress response. Our preliminary results suggest that low-intensity and high-frequency mechanical stimulation can potentiate plant growth. Moreover, the growing plants themselves may generate such oscillations. These oscillations have a tiny amplitude of the order of nanometers. To observe them, we use the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). This project is done in collaboration with Alexis Peaucelle

© K.T. Haas & A. Peaucelle. The frequency spectra of the cell wall oscillations measured with AFM.