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Anion channels in chara corallina tonoplast membrane: calcium dependence and rectification.

Tonoplast K(+) channels of Chara corallina are well characterized but only a few reports mention anion channels, which are likely to play an important role in the tonoplast action potential and osmoregulation of this plant. For experiments internodal cells were isolated. Cytoplasmic droplets were formed in an iso-osmotic bath solution according to a modified procedure. Ion channels with conductances of 48 pS and 170 pS were detected by the patch-clamp technique. In the absence of K(+) in the bath solution the 170 pS channel was not observed at negative pipette potential values. When Cl(-) on either the vacuolar side or the cytoplasmic side was partly replaced with F(-), the reversal potential of the 48 pS channel shifted conform to the Cl(-) equilibrium potential with similar behavior in droplet-attached and excised patch mode. These results showed that the 48 pS channel was a Cl(-) channel. In droplet-attached mode the channel rectified outward current flow, and the slope conductance was smaller. When Chara droplets were formed in a bath solution containing low (10(-8) m) Ca(2+), then no Cl(-) channels could be detected either in droplet-attached or in inside-out patch mode. Channel activity was restored if Ca(2+) was applied to the cytoplasmic side of inside-out patches. Rectification properties in the inside-out patch configuration could be controlled by the holding pipette potential. Holding potential values negative or positive to the calculated reversal potential for Cl(-) ions induced opposite rectification properties. Our results show Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels in the tonoplast of Chara with holding potential dependent rectification.

Action Potentials↗

Internodal cells of the giant green alga Chara as an expression system for ion channels.

Internodal cells of the giant green alga Chara corallina were utilized as an expression system for two nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes (nAChR) derived from rat muscle. From Chara internodes that were pressure-injected with the respective cRNA, cytoplasmic droplets were formed, and functional expression of channel proteins in the membrane delineating the droplets was confirmed by patch-clamp techniques. The droplet membrane was recently identified as the original tonoplast, patch-clamp recordings on cytoplasmic droplets were easily performed and single channel activity could be measured with high resolution. The properties of the recombinant nAChR observed in this membrane were similar to those reported for the channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and for the native channel recorded in situ. The Chara expression system is, therefore, suitable for functional expression of animal messenger RNAs, without the risk of signal contamination by intrinsic ion channels. It offers a low-cost and practical alternative to the use of Xenopus oocytes for the investigation of heterologously expressed ion channels.

Animals↗

Reaction kinetic model of a proposed plasma membrane two-cycle H(+)-transport system of Chara corallina.

Biophysical and numerical analysis methods were used to characterize and model the transport protein that gives rise to the acid and alkaline regions of Chara. A measuring system that permits the detection of area-specific current-voltage curves was used. These current-voltage curves, obtained from the inward current regions of Chara, underwent a parallel shift when the alkaline region was inverted by means of an acid pH treatment. In this situation the reversal potential of this area shifted from -120 mV to -340 mV. Together with data obtained from experiments using a divided chamber system, these results suggest that a common transport protein generates inward and outward current regions of Chara. On the basis of these experimental findings, a reaction kinetic model is proposed that assigns two operational modes to the proposed transport protein. Switching between these modes generates either acid or alkaline behavior. Since the observed pH dependence of the postulated transporter is rather complex, a reaction kinetic saturation mechanism had to be incorporated into the model. This final 10-state reaction kinetic model provides an appropriate set of mathematical relations to fit the measured current-voltage curves by computer.

Carrier Proteins↗

Plasma membrane isolation from freshwater and salt-tolerant species of Chara: antibody cross-reactions and phosphohydrolase activities.

Plasma membranes were isolated using the aqueous polymer two-phase partition method from the algae Chara corallina and Chara longifolia, algae which differ in their ability to grow in saline environments. Enrichment of plasma membrane and depletion of tonoplast relative to the microsomal fraction was monitored using phosphohydrolase assays and cross-reactions to antibodies raised against higher plant transporters. Antibodies to the vacuolar ATPase and pyrophosphatase cross-reacted with epitopes in the microsomal fraction, but showed little affinity for the plasma membrane fraction. Pyrophosphatase activity also declined in the plasma membrane fraction relative to the microsomal fraction. The V-type H(+)-ATPase activity, sensitive to nitrate or bafilomycin, was low in both fractions, though the cross-reaction to the antibody was reduced in the plasma membrane fraction. By contrast, the antibody recognition of a P-type H(+)-ATPase amino acid sequence from Arabidopsis did not occur strongly in the anticipated 90-100 kDa range. While there was enhanced recognition of a polypeptide at around 140 kDa in the plasma membrane fraction, salt treatment of Chara longifolia resulted in plasma membrane fractions with reduced amounts of this epitope, but no change in vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity, suggesting that it does not represent the only P-type ATPase. Microsomal membranes from salt-adapted C. longifolia have higher reactivity with the antibody to the tonoplast ATPase.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Simultaneous Measurements of Cytoplasmic K Concentration and the Plasma Membrane Electrical Parameters in Single Membrane Samples of Chara corallina.

The electrophysiological properties of cytoplasm-rich fragments (single membrane samples) prepared from internodal cells of Chara corallina were explored in conjunction with K(+)-sensitive microelectrode and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. This system eliminated the problem of the inaccessible cytoplasmic layer, while preserving many of the electrical characteristics of the intact cells. In 0.1 millimolar external K concentration (K(o) (+)), the resting conductance (membrane conductance G(m), 0.85 +/- 0.25 Siemens per square meter (+/-standard error)) of the single membrane samples, was dominated by the proton pump, as suggested by the response of the near-linear I-V characteristic to changes in external pH. Initial cytoplasmic K(+) activities (a(K+)), judged most reliable, gave values of 117 +/- 67 millimolar; stable a(K+) values were 77 +/- 31 millimolar. Equilibrium potentials for K(+) (Nernst equilibrium potential) (E(K)) calculated, using either of these data sets, were near the mean membrane potential (V(m)). On a cell-to-cell basis, however, E(K) was generally negative of the V(m), despite an electrogenic contribution from the Chara proton pump. When K(o) (+) was increased to 1.0 millimolar or above, G(m) rose (by 8- to 10-fold in 10 millimolar K(o) (+)), the steady state I-V characteristics showed a region of negative slope conductance, and V(m) followed E(K). These results confirm previous studies which implicated a K(o) (+)-induced and voltage-dependent permeability to K(+) at the Chara plasma membrane. They provide an explanation for transitions between apparent K(o) (+)-insensitive and K(o) (+)-sensitive (;K(+) electrode') behavior displayed by the membrane potential, as recorded in many algae and higher plant cells.

Journal Article↗

Autonomous Local Area Control over Membrane Transport in Chara Internodal Cells.

Internodal cells of Chara were separated with a Plexiglas divider into two segments and the vibrating probe was used to investigate the extracellular current profiles that formed along these two surfaces. Treating one segment of the Chara cell with K(+) concentrations greater than 2 millimolar caused a dramatic reduction in the extracellular current pattern in this compartment. Concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 millimolar K(+) were used to establish that a normal current profile could be maintained along the cell surface in the control compartment, whereas the extracellular current profile was strongly reduced along the entire cell surface that was located in the second, high-K(+) compartment. Simultaneous measurements of the membrane potential in the two segments of the divided Chara cell established that, in the presence of elevated K(+) concentrations, a longitudinal voltage gradient of up to 60 millivolts was maintained. Experiments in which the pH value in one compartment was either decreased (pH 6.0) or increased (pH 11) gave rise to a reduced extracellular current profile along this segment of the cell, whereas the pattern in the control segment remained unaltered. These results are discussed in terms of the cellular spatial control system that must function to regulate the regions of outward and inward current, and the concept of autonomous local area (domain) control is presented.

Journal Article↗

The mitochondrial genome of Chara vulgaris: insights into the mitochondrial DNA architecture of the last common ancestor of green algae and land plants.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has undergone radical changes during the evolution of green plants, yet little is known about the dynamics of mtDNA evolution in this phylum. Land plant mtDNAs differ from the few green algal mtDNAs that have been analyzed to date by their expanded size, long spacers, and diversity of introns. We have determined the mtDNA sequence of Chara vulgaris (Charophyceae), a green alga belonging to the charophycean order (Charales) that is thought to be the most closely related alga to land plants. This 67,737-bp mtDNA sequence, displaying 68 conserved genes and 27 introns, was compared with those of three angiosperms, the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha, the charophycean alga Chaetosphaeridium globosum (Coleochaetales), and the green alga Mesostigma viride. Despite important differences in size and intron composition, Chara mtDNA strikingly resembles Marchantia mtDNA; for instance, all except 9 of 68 conserved genes lie within blocks of colinear sequences. Overall, our genome comparisons and phylogenetic analyses provide unequivocal support for a sister-group relationship between the Charales and the land plants. Only four introns in land plant mtDNAs appear to have been inherited vertically from a charalean algar ancestor. We infer that the common ancestor of green algae and land plants harbored a tightly packed, gene-rich, and relatively intron-poor mitochondrial genome. The group II introns in this ancestral genome appear to have spread to new mtDNA sites during the evolution of bryophytes and charalean green algae, accounting for part of the intron diversity found in Chara and land plant mitochondria.

Base Sequence↗

Immunolocalization of integrin-like proteins in Arabidopsis and Chara.

Integrins are a large family of integral plasma membrane proteins that link the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton in animal cells. As a first step in determining if integrin-like proteins are involved in gravitropic signal transduction pathways, we have used a polyclonal antibody against the chicken beta1 integrin subunit in western blot analyses and immunofluorescence microscopy to gain information on the size and location of these proteins in plants. Several different polypeptides are recognized by the anti-integrin antibody in roots and shoots of Arabidopsis and in the internodal cells and rhizoids of Chara. These cross-reactive polypeptides are associated with cellular membranes, a feature which is consistent with the known location of integrins in animal systems. In immunofluorescence studies of Arabidopsis roots, a strong signal was obtained from labeling integrin-like proteins in root cap cells, and there was little or no immunolabel in other regions of the root tip. While the antibody stained throughout Chara rhizoids, the highest density of immunolabel was at the tip. Thus, in both Arabidopsis roots and Chara rhizoids, the sites of gravity perception/transduction appear to be enriched in integrin-like molecules.

Arabidopsis↗

[Moyse Charas, apothecary and medical doctor (Uzés 1619 - Paris 1698)].

Some new information, based on many unedited documents is presented, in order to complete the biography of Moyse Charas, as published in this revue by Dorveaux (1929) and Bouvet (1949). The origin of the protestant family Charas lies in Pont-Saint-Espirt, from where the parents of Moyse Charas, passing Uzés, moved to Orange, where he took up the profession of apothecary and was declared Master by Frederick Henry, prince of Orange. Later, in Paris, he had contacts with the Dutch diplomat Constantijn Huygens and his son, the scientist Christiaan Huygens, and with the English physician and philosopher John Locke. After shorter visits to London and the Royal Society he lived there for a certain time, being called to contribute to cure King Charles II. He revisited Orange to get his promotion as a doctor of medicine. After having practised for some time in Holland he went to Spain for five years, as a physician of the embassy of the States General in Madrid and later in Galice. The last six months he suffered imprisonment by the Inquisition. Liberated after his conversion to Catholicism, he could finally return to Paris.

France↗

Transitions from alkaline spots to regular bands during pH pattern formation at the plasmalemma of Chara cells.

A scanning pH-microprobe was used to study pH patterns near the surface of Chara corallina cells at various light intensities and during light-induced transitions from homogeneous pH distribution to alternating pH bands. In the irradiance (PAR) range 4-400 micromol quanta m(-2) s(-1), the sustained pH profiles consisted of alternating acid and alkaline bands with a characteristic length of 7-10 mm and pH shifts as large as 2-3 units. At lower irradiance, the number of alkaline bands decreased while the amplitude of remaining peaks stayed high. On cyclic changes in light intensity, a hysteresis of pH banding was observed: the pH bands tolerated low irradiance in weakening light, but higher irradiance was required for their emergence after dark adaptation of the cell. The pH profiles measured for different paths of electrode scanning suggest that the pH pattern at low light level represents patches coexisting with bands. The exposure of the cell to high-intensity light led to formation of radially symmetrical bands. Transformations of the pH pattern induced by lowering the light intensity were similar to those induced by transcellular electric current (1.5-3 microA). The data suggest that band formation at the plasmalemma of Chara cells proceeds through the initial appearance of multiple patches with a localized H(+)-transporting activity and subsequent spot rearrangements (fusion, deletions, widening), leading to establishment of alternating bands.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Spatio-temporal patterns of photosystem II activity and plasma-membrane proton flows in Chara corallina cells exposed to overall and local illumination.

Pulse-amplitude modulated microfluorometry and an extracellular pH microprobe were used to examine light-induced spatial heterogeneity of photosynthetic and H(+)-transporting activities in cells of Chara corallina Klein ex Willd. Subcellular domains featuring different PSII photochemical activities were found to conform to alternate alkaline and acid zones produced near the cell surface, with peaks of PSII activity correlating with the position of acid zones. Buffers eliminated pH variations near the cell surface but did not destroy the variations in PSII photochemical yield (deltaF/Fm'). When a dark-adapted cell was exposed to actinic light, the PSII effective yield decreased within 5-15 min in the alkaline regions but rose after the initial decline in the acid regions. The light-induced decrease in deltaF/Fm' in the alkaline regions occurred prior to or synchronously with the steep rise in local pH. The kinetics of deltaF/Fm', Fm', and F observed in alkaline regions under overall illumination of Chara cells were replaced by those typical of acid regions, when the illumination area size was restricted to 1.5-2 mm. The data show that photoinduced patterns in photosynthetic activity are not predetermined by the particular structural organization of alkaline and acid cell regions but are subject to dynamic changes.

Cell Membrane↗

Plasmodesmal changes are related to different developmental stages of antheridia of Chara species.

During the development of the antheridia of Chara species, dynamic changes in the occurrence and ultrastructure of plasmodesmata are observed which are closely correlated to particular developmental phases and presumably regulate the morphogenetic events in the antheridia. The disappearance of plasmodesmata between shield cells and between shied cells and the basal cell leads to a cessation in symplasmic transport around the antheridum and determines its concentric or centrifugal character via centrally situated capitular cells. Unplugged plasmodesmata are present between fully synchronously developing antheridial filament cells and obviously coordinate the development of the cells. In the middle phase of spermiogenesis, rough endoplasmic reticulum in antheridial filaments passes uncompressed through wide plasmodesmata and provides an additional transport pathway for developmental control factors. Plugged plasmodesmata link cells of different types or cells of the same type which are at different phases of cell cycle and guarantee their individual development. The plugging of plasmodesmata is a reversible process that depends on the morphogenetic situation. Plasmodesmata connecting the basal cell and the subbasal cell as well as the basal cell and capitular cells are transformed successively from the simple into the complex type and might be the pathways for an import of gibberellins and nutrients into the strong sink tissues of the developing antheridium. There is a symplasmic connection between the antheridum and the thallus via a basal cell. Prior to the initiation of spermatozoid differentiation (spermiogenesis), plasmodesmata connecting the basal cell with a subbasal cell and the basal cell with capitular cells are spontaneously broken, resulting in symplasmic isolation of the antheridium that is probably a signal which triggers the induction of spermatozoid differentiation. Premature plasmolytically evoked symplasmic isolation of the antheridium leads to the elimination of 1 to 2 cell cycles from the proliferative stage of spermatogenesis. Autoradiographic studies demonstrate that both natural and induced symplasmic isolation drastically decreases the entry of isotopically labeled gibberellic acid into antheridia of Chara species that may be the consequence of the elimination of the hormone's transport through plasmodesmata.

Autoradiography↗

FT-IR study of the Chara corallina cell wall under deformation.

Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy was used to investigate both the chemical composition of, and the effects of an applied strain on, the structure of the Chara corallina cell wall. The inner layers of the cell wall are known to have a transverse cellulose orientation with a gradient through the thickness to longitudinal orientation in the older layers. In both the native state and following the removal of various biopolymers by a sequential extraction infrared dichroism was used to examine the orientation of different biopolymers in cell-wall samples subjected to longitudinal strain. In the Chara system, cellulose microfibrils were found to be aligned predominantly transverse to the long axis of the cell and became orientated increasingly transversely as longitudinal strain increased. Simultaneously, the pectic polysaccharide matrix underwent molecular orientation parallel to the direction of strain. Following extraction in CDTA, microfibrils were orientated transversely to the strain direction, and again the degree of transverse orientation increased with increasing strain. However, the pectic polysaccharides of the matrix were not detected in the dichroic difference spectra. After a full sequential extraction, the cellulose microfibrils, now with greatly reduced crystallinity, were detected in a longitudinal direction and they became orientated increasingly parallel to the direction of strain as it increased.

Carbonates↗

Photosynthesis by protoplasm extruded from Chara and Nitella.

(a) Photosynthesis with protoplasm isolated from Chara or Nitella as measured by C(14) fixation has been obtained at a rate 12 to 15 per cent of that of the whole cells. (b) Photosynthesis by cut cells of Chara or Nitella with the vacuolar sap removed was at a rate comparable to that of the whole cells. (c) Both the protoplasm and the cut cells reduced CO(2) in the light to sucrose and hexose phosphates. Other products formed were also detected by paper chromatography. In contrast, dark controls fixed the C(14) into products associated with plant respiration. (d) An important difference in the products from the extruded protoplasm was the absence of C(14)-labelled pentoses or sedoheptulose which were formed, however, by the whole or cut cells. This suggests that the most sensitive site affected by disruption of the cells may be the steps involved in the regeneration of the "C-2 acceptor" for CO(2) fixation in photosynthesis.

Chara↗

Periplasm turgor pressure controls wall deposition and assembly in growing Chara corallina cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: New wall deposition usually accompanies plant growth. External osmotica inhibit both processes but wall precursors continue to be synthesized, and exocytosis follows. Consequently, the osmotica appear to act outside of the plasma membrane. Because this implies an action of turgor pressure (P) on the periplasm by unknown mechanisms, the following study was undertaken to determine whether P could act in a way that altered wall deposition and assembly in the periplasm while the cells grow. METHODS: Cells of Chara corallina were exposed to P slightly below normal by using a pressure probe while supplying inorganic carbon in light. After labelling, the walls were isolated and the amount of new wall was determined. Similar measurements were made after treatment with osmotica. Chlortetracycline-stimulated exocytosis was determined microscopically. Polysaccharide properties were determined by confocal microscopy and vapour pressure osmometry in an 'artificial periplasm' in isolated Chara cell walls, using labelled dextran as an analogue of hemicellulose, and polygalacturonate as pectin. KEY RESULTS: Rapid growth and wall deposition occurred at normal P of 0.5 MPa but both processes decreased when P was lowered 0.1 MPa. Inorganic carbon uptake and exocytosis were unaffected. In the artificial periplasm, normal P caused high polysaccharide concentrations and rapid polysaccharide entry into the wall, and gel formation in the pectin. Lowering P decreased entry and gel formation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first indication that normal P of 0.5 MPa can concentrate periplasmic polysaccharides sufficiently to cause cross-linking and gel formation in pectins while simultaneously fostering the entry of large polysaccharides into small interstices in the existing wall. This P-action would thicken the primary wall and form a smooth transition between the new and old structure, suggesting a molecular mechanism of wall deposition and assembly while the wall extends.

Bicarbonates↗

A cohesion/tension mechanism explains the gating of water channels (aquaporins) in Chara internodes by high concentration.

Isolated internodes of Chara corallina have been used to study the gating of aquaporins (water channels) in the presence of high concentrations of osmotic solutes of different size (molecular weight). Osmolytes were acetone and three glycol ethers: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGMME), and triethylene glycol monoethyl ether (TEGMEE). The 'osmotic efficiency' of osmolytes was quite different. Their reflection coefficients ranged between 0.15 (acetone), 0.59 (EGMME), 0.78 (DEGMME), and 0.80 (TEGMEE). Bulk water permeability (Lp) and diffusive permeabilities (Ps) of heavy water (HDO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), acetone, and glycol ethers (EGMME, DEGMME, and TEGMEE) were measured using a cell pressure probe. Cells were treated with different concentrations of osmotic solutes of up to 800 mM ( approximately 2.0 MPa of osmotic pressure). Inhibition of aquaporin activity increased with both increasing concentration and size of solutes (reflection coefficients). As cell Lp decreased, Ps increased, indicating that water and solutes used different passages across the plasma membrane. Similar to earlier findings of an osmotic gating of ion channels, a cohesion/tension model of the gating of water channels in Chara internodes by high concentration is proposed. According to the model, tensions (negative pressures) within water channels affected the open/closed state by changing the free energy between states and favoured a distorted/collapsed rather than the open state. They should have differed depending on the concentration and size of solutes that are more or less excluded from aquaporins. The bigger the solute, the lower was the concentration required to induce a reversible closure of aquaporins, as predicted by the model.

Acetone↗

Ion flux interaction with cytoplasmic streaming in branchlets of Chara australis.

Both parts of the actin-myosin complex involved in cytoplasmic streaming could be regulated by mineral ions. The main goal of this study was to find a relationship between cyclosis and ion transport across the cell wall and plasma membrane. The transport of K(+) and Ca(2+) along pH bands in Chara branchlet internodal cells was characterized by using the MIFE system for non-invasive microelectrode measurement of ion fluxes. Branchlets formed acidic and alkaline bands with the pH ranging from 5 to 8. Different pH patterns were observed for different sides of the branchlets. Sides with cyclosis streaming acropetally generally showed greater variation in the profiles of pH and H(+) fluxes. Although a high correlation was not found between pH bands and Ca(2+) or K(+) fluxes, there was a positive correlation between Ca(2+) and K(+) fluxes themselves for both sides of the branchlets. Application of cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of cyclosis, had no immediate effect on pH and ion fluxes, however, the time of cyclosis cessation corresponded with a dramatic change in Ca(2+) and K(+) fluxes; pH profiles and H(+) fluxes were affected within 2 h. The evidence suggests that, in Chara branchlets, pH band formation and Gd(3+)-insensitive Ca(2+) transport systems are linked to the cyclosis machinery: (i) the pH band amplitude for the acropetally streaming side was larger than that for the basipetally streaming side; (ii) cessation of cytoplasmic streaming after cytochalasin D application resulted in changed pH banding profiles and H(+), Ca(2+) and K(+) fluxes; and (iii) the application of GdCl(3) or incubation in GdCl(3) solutions did not lead to the cessation of cytoplasmic streaming, although external Ca(2+) fluxes changed.

Calcium↗

Identifying cytoplasmic input to the cell wall of growing Chara corallina.

Plants enlarge mostly because the walls of certain cells enlarge, with accompanying input of wall constituents and other factors from the cytoplasm. However, the enlargement can occur without input, suggesting an uncertain relationship between cytoplasmic input and plant growth. Therefore, the role of the input was investigated by quantitatively comparing growth in isolated walls (no input) with that in living cells (input occurring). Cell walls were isolated from growing internodes of Chara corallina and filled with pressurized oil to control turgor pressure while elongation was monitored. Turgor pressure in living cells was similarly controlled and monitored by adding/removing cell solution. Temperature was varied in some experiments. At all pressures and temperatures, isolated walls displayed turgor-driven growth indistinguishable in every respect from that in living cells, except the rate decelerated in the isolated walls while the living cells grew rapidly. The growth in the isolated walls was highly responsive to temperature, in contrast to the elastic extension that has been shown to be insensitive to similar temperatures. Consequently, strong intermolecular bonds were responsible for growth and weak bonds for elastic extension. Boiling the walls gave the same results, indicating that enzyme activities were not controlling these bonds. However, pectin added to isolated walls reversed their growth deceleration and returned the rate to that in the living cells. The pectin was similar to that normally produced by the cytoplasm and deposited in the wall, suggesting that continued cytoplasmic input of pectin may play a role in sustaining turgor-driven growth in Chara.

Cell Enlargement↗