ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Endoplasmic reticulum
;
DiOC6 (3)
;
Weak organic acids (cytosolic pH)
;
Actin filaments
;
Organelle movement
;
Onion epidermal cells
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The anastomosing ER system of epidermal cells of onion bulb scales is composed of three modifications: lamellar and tubular elements, located in the cell periphery, and long tubular stands located deeper in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic acidification of epidermal cells by loading with weak organic acids like acetic or propionic acid causes the decay of the lamellar elements and the disappearance of long tubular strands. Organelle movement is also inhibited. The effects depend on the pH of the incubation medium and on the administered acid concentration, and are characterized by a distinct lag phase of about 7 min. The induced ER changes are transient with adaptation starting after about 50min. Buffer components alone have little influence on the cellular ER organization within a pH-range of 4.0–8.0. However, the pH of the medium strongly affects the time course of the effects as well as recovery after omitting the administered acid. Both modulation and recovery occur more rapidly at neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Actin filaments, which play a major role in ER organization and organelle movement, are not affected by cytosolic acidification.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01322654
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