Localization of calcium ions in wounded characean internodal cells

Abstract

Ca2+ was localized in chemically injured internodal cells of the characean alga Nitella flexilis (L.) Ag. using alizarin red and antimonate precipitation. The presence of Ca2+ in the antimonate precipitates was verified by X-ray analysis and EGTA chelation. Callose-containing amorphous wound walls were induced by 0.1 mM chlortetracycline (CTC) and cellulosic fibrillar wound walls were induced by 50 mM CaCl2. Numerous precipitates were found in the amorphous wound walls and in the adjacent cytoplasm. Precipitates were mainly localized in single membrane-bound cisternae, probably of the endoplasmic reticulum, which accumulate at the wound and become a component of the amorphous wound wall via membrane fusion. In fibrillar wound walls, which do not contain membranous residues, precipitate density was significantly lower and similar to that in the secondary cell wall. The data suggest that the high Ca2+ content of amorphous wound walls is clue to incorporation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ stores. The possible function of amorphous wound walls in maintaining cellular Ca2+ homeostasis is discussed.