ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Algae
;
Blue-green algae
;
Calcofluor white ST
;
Cell surfaces
;
Lectin receptors
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary 7 FITC-labeled lectins with hapten sugar specificities to α-D-mannosyl-/α-D-glucosyl-, β-D-galactosyl, α-L-fucosyl-, N-acetyl-α-D-glucosamine-, and N-acetyl-α-D-galactosamine-residues have been used, to study the distribution of glycoconjugates (lectin binding sites, lectin receptors) at cell surfaces of 101 samples, comprising 89 species of pro- and eukaryotic algae. In parallel, calcofluor white ST binding studies have been performed. The results of this project revealed: 1. The major differences with respect to lectin binding reflect species-specific biochemical diversity, expressed at cell surfaces. 2. Apparently homogeneous structures (e.g. sheaths, surrounding trichomes ofCyanophyta, or mucilage at cell surfaces ofCyclotella spec. orChaetophora elegans) comprise molecular mosaics. The sheaths ofCyanophyta stain with calcofluor white ST. The chemical nature of the binding sites remains unresolved. 3. Lectins were shown to be useful tools, to identify genetic and developmental markers, being exposed at cell surfaces. 4. In a few cases it was shown that glycoconjugates are markers of cell polarity. They seem to be involved in adhesion of a cell to a substrate and in aggregate formation. 5. Evidence is provided that glycoconjugates are involved in interactions between algae and bacteria.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01279873
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