Abstract

Chronic exposure to ionizing radiation, even at low doses, poses a significant environmental stressor to plant life, often leading to complex physiological and cellular responses. This study investigates the **molecular mechanisms** underlying the effects of **chronic irradiation** on **electrical signals** in *Triticum aestivum* (wheat) plants, a critical component of their systemic stress response. Electrical signals, such as action potentials and variation potentials, are fundamentally linked to the integrity and function of the plasma membrane, relying on the precise regulation of ion channels and membrane potential. Using a combination of non-invasive electrophysiological recording techniques and molecular analysis (e.g., gene expression of key ion transporters), we demonstrate that chronic irradiation significantly alters the resting membrane potential and the velocity of signal propagation. Specifically, we observed a sustained downregulation of genes encoding for voltage-gated potassium channels and H+-ATPases, suggesting a disruption in the homeostatic control of the membrane potential. These changes correlate with an impaired systemic response to localized stimuli. Our findings highlight the cell membrane as a primary target for chronic radiation stress and provide novel insights into the long-term adaptation and survival strategies of plants in contaminated environments.