THE PLASMALEMMA STRUCTURE IN THE PHYCOBIONT TREBOUXIA AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF HUMIDITY OF A LICHEN THALLUS

Abstract

Using the freeze‐fracture technique, the plasmalemma structure of the phycobiont Trebouxia was observed to depend on the hydration of the thallus. The EF and PF fracture faces showed characteristic ridges and corresponding grooves as well as intramembranous particles found in plasmalemma membranes. After prolonged drying of the thallus, the particles were reduced in both number and size and they became reorganized after moistening for a few hours. The ridges appear most distinct and close in dry stages while they are almost completely overlayed by particles in moist thalli. The possible significance of the findings is discussed. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved