Effect of calcium ionophores on early development in fucoid algae

SUMMARY Although much studied, the role of Ca2+ in early fucoid development remains unclear. One technique to investigate Ca2+ function that has not been fully exploited is the use of ionophores to drastically increase cytosolic Ca2+ activity. We have therefore conducted an analysis of the effects o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Phycological research 2001-06, Vol.49 (2), p.145-154
Main Authors: Hable, Whitney E., EerNisse, Peter, Hoggan, Michael, Kropf, Darryl L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A23187
brown algae
calcium
embryo-genesis
ionomycin
Marine
Pelvetia compressa
polarity
secretion
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Summary:SUMMARY Although much studied, the role of Ca2+ in early fucoid development remains unclear. One technique to investigate Ca2+ function that has not been fully exploited is the use of ionophores to drastically increase cytosolic Ca2+ activity. We have therefore conducted an analysis of the effects of uniform application of the Ca2+ ionophores, A23187 and ionomycin, on early development of fucoid algae. Both ionophores had substantially the same effects. Cell adhesive secretion, rhizoid growth and negative phototropism were reduced but not abolished by ionophore treatment, and germination was delayed. One plausible interpretation of these data is that secretion is partially compromised in the treated zygotes. Surprisingly, photopolarization and cytokinesis were unaffected, indicating that Ca2+ homeostasis may not be required for these processes.
ISSN:1322-0829
1440-1835
DOI:10.1046/j.1440-1835.2001.00236.x