ISSN:
1615-6110
Keywords:
Algae
;
Chlorophyta
;
Desmidiaceae
;
Micrasterias
;
Ultrastructure
;
electron microscopy
;
cell multiplication
;
salt stress
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Cells ofMicrasterias denticulata Bréb. were kept in nutrient solution of high osmolality (salt stress) for four weeks. In a special cell multiplication test it was established that cell division is gradually inhibited at increasing salt concentrations and totally arrested at the highest concentration (26 mosm/kg). “Recovery studies” proved that even cells from the highest concentration range start dividing immediately after being placed in aqua bidest. thus indicating the full reversibility of the inhibiting effect. — Cells of the highest concentration range show marked ultrastructural changes. Besides an enormous accumulation of starch and oil bodies and a condensed appearance of the ground plasma, a reduction of mitochondria, ER and the Golgi-system is found. The most striking effect occurs on the vacuolar system which appears extremely reduced and condensed. The cell wall is thickened by the formation of an additional cell wall layer with a “spongy” electron microscopical appearance. Through the cell wall many droplets of a probably fat-like substance are excreted. — In summary, salt stress induces growth-inhibited “akinete” cells in the sense ofFritsch; these can be reactivated by decreasing the salt concentration. The salt-induced “akinete state” seems to be an ecological adaption to unfavourable conditions rather than a degeneration of the cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00940437
