Connecting growth and bioelectricity: an integrated approach between real-time leaf growth dynamics and the electrome model in plants

• Grant number: 25/15593-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil
• Start date: March 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Vasconcelos Ribeiro
• Grantee: Rafael Vasconcelos Ribeiro
• Visiting researcher: Gustavo Maia Souza
• Visiting researcher institution: Pró-Reitoria De Pesquisa E Pós-Graduação/Prppg/Ufpel , Brazil
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Campinas
• Associated research grant: 22/04006-2 - Center for Plant Molecular Breeding (CeM²P), AP.PCPE

Abstract

This project proposes an integrated investigation of the temporal dynamics of leaf expansion in plants and its correlation with the electrophysiological activity described in the electrome model. The research will be conducted through real-time measurements of leaf elongation rate (mm/min) and simultaneous recording of electrical signals (voltage variation, in ¿V), aiming to identify synchronized or delayed patterns between these two biological phenomena. The project is anchored in a theoretical approach that considers time not only as a measurement dimension, but also as an active variable in plant physiological processes. In addition to research, the grantee will participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching activities at the Institute of Biology, UNICAMP. (AU)