ISSN:
1432-2048
Keywords:
Chlamydomonas
;
Gamete (activation)
;
Ethanol
;
Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate
;
Phospholipid turnover
;
Signalling
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Alcohols induce mating-structure activation in Chlamydomonas eugametos gametes. From the effect of ethanol on the 32P-labelling of polyphosphoinositides, we conclude that the synthesis of these lipids is stimulated. Biologically inactive concentrations of ethanol (〈6%) had no effect on synthesis, but 6–8% ethanol stimulated synthesis for upto 60 min. The 32P incorporated into polyphosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid during ethanol treatment was readily chased out when 1 mM unlabelled Na3PO4 was added. Using a binding assay for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, we show that the production of this phospholipid constituent is dramatically increased after ethanol treatment. This effect, coupled to a rise in intracellular calcium concentration, could explain gamete activation. The significance of these results in explaining other ethanol-induced phenomena in algae is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00195326
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