ISSN:
1432-2048
Keywords:
Actin
;
Bryonia
;
Cytoskeleton (tactile blep)
;
Tactile blep
;
Tendril (ultrastructure)
;
Tendril mechano-sensor
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The ultrastructure of epidermal cells of tendrils of Bryonia dioica Jacq. (Cucurbitaceae) was determined using microscopic, histochemical and immunochemical techniques with focus on the tactile blep, the mechano-receptor of these cells. Tactile bleps resemble bordered pits in structure and probably in formation. They contain cytoplasm rich in endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes, mitochondria and microbodies. The cytoplasm is highly vesiculated and usually contains lipid-body-like structures. Cytoskeletal elements (microtubules, actin filaments) are uniquely arranged in the tactile blep, and chlorotetracycline-fluorescence analysis shows large amounts of membrane-associated calcium within the tactile blep. We propose a physically interconnected cytoskeleton-membrane device as the immediate force sensor and transducer which creates a primary intracellular signal, for which calcium is a likely candidate.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00203654
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