Observation of microplasmodesmata in both heterocyst-forming and non-heterocyst forming filamentous cyanobacteria by freeze-fracture electron microscopy (original) (raw)
Abstract
Structures which may establish cytoplasmic continuity between adjacent cells of filamentous cyanobacteria have been observed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. They are visible in the septum region of the plasma membrane as pits on the E-face (EF) and corresponding protrusions on the P-face (PF). Between 100 and 250 of these structures, termed microplasmodesmata, were present between adjacent vegetative cells in all four strains of heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacteria, Anabaena cylindrica Lemm, A. variabilis (IUCC B377), A. variabilis Kütz. (ATCC 29413) and Nostoc muscorum, examined. Only 30–40 microplasmodesmata were observed between adjacent cells in two species, Phormidium luridum and Plectonema boryanum, that do not form heterocysts. The results suggest that in species that form heterocysts a greater degree of cytoplasmic continuity is established, presumably to facilitate the exchange of metabolites. In species capable of forming heterocysts, the number of microplasmodesmata per septum between two adjacent vegetative cells remained constant whether the filaments were grown in the presence of NH4 and lacked heteroxysts or under N2-fixing conditions and contained heterocysts. When a vegetative cell differentiates into a heterocyst, about 80% of the existing microplasmodesmata are destroyed as the poles of the cell become constricted into narrow necks leaving smaller areas of contact with the adjacent vegetative cells.
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- Thomas H. Giddings Jr.
Present address: Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, 80309, Boulder, CO, USA
Authors and Affiliations
- MSU/DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, MI
Thomas H. Giddings Jr. - Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, 80309, Boulder, CO, USA
L. Andrew Staehelin
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- Thomas H. Giddings Jr.
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Giddings, T.H., Staehelin, L.A. Observation of microplasmodesmata in both heterocyst-forming and non-heterocyst forming filamentous cyanobacteria by freeze-fracture electron microscopy.Arch. Microbiol. 129, 295–298 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00414700
- Received: 17 February 1981
- Accepted: 30 March 1981
- Issue Date: June 1981
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00414700