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Symplasmic connections between sieve element and companion cell in the stem phloem ofVicia faba L. have a molecular exclusion limit of at least 10 kDa

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Abstract

High-molecular-weight fluorochromes were intracellularly injected into a sieve element of the fascicular stem phloem ofVicia faba L., using a modified membrane-potential-recording pressure probe. After stabilization of the membrane potential following microelectrode impalement, either LYCH (Lucifer Yellow CH), 4.4-kDa FITC-dextran (fluoresceinisothiocyanate-dextran) conjugate, or 3-kDa, 10-kDa or 40-kDa LYCH-dextran conjugate was microinjected into the sieve element. Longitudinal fluorochrome movement across the sieve plates and lateral displacement to the companion cells was detected with all the probes except the 40-kDa conjugate. This indicates that the molecular exclusion limit of the pore/plasmodesma units between a sieve element and a companion cell in the fascicular stem phloem ofVicia faba lies between 10 kDa and 40 kDa.

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Abbreviations

FITC:

fluoresceinisothiocyanate

LYCH:

Lucifer Yellow CH

MEL:

molecular exclusion limit

PPU:

pore/plasmodesma unit

SE/CC-complex:

sieve element/companion cell complex

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transport Physiology Research Group, Department of Plant Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, NL-3584 CA, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Ronald Kempers

  2. Botanisches Institut 1, Justus-Liebig University, Senckenbergstrasse 17, D-35390, Giessen, Germany

    Aart J. E. van Bel

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  1. Ronald Kempers
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  2. Aart J. E. van Bel
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Correspondence to Ronald Kempers.

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Kempers, R., van Bel, A.J.E. Symplasmic connections between sieve element and companion cell in the stem phloem ofVicia faba L. have a molecular exclusion limit of at least 10 kDa. Planta 201, 195–201 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007704

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01007704

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