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Endoplasmic microtubules and nucleus-associated actin rings inNitella internodal cells

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Summary

The view that microtubules are confined to the cortex of characean internodal cells has been disproved by the discovery of microtubules in the endoplasm ofNitella by immunofluorescence. By cutting open cells so that they could be viewed from the inside out, clear observations of nuclei, microtubules, and actin-containing elements (preserved by glutaraldehyde) in the endoplasm have been made. Microtubules were found in the subcortical layer, aligned and possibly associated with the prominent actin bundles. The abundant nuclei, located in the streaming endoplasm were also examined and a system of actin rings—possibly involved in nuclear rotation—was discovered. Some nuclei displayed peripheral microtubules but no spindle-like structures were observed. Contrary to earlier published findings, we have demonstrated that microtubule disassembly significantly impedes the cell's ability to recover from cytochalasin-induced streaming arrest, indicating that microtubules or microtubule proteins can in some still unknown way influence cytoplasmic streaming.

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Abbreviations

BSA:

bovine serum albumin

DMSO:

dimethylsulfoxide

FITC:

fluorescein isothiocyanate

PBS:

phosphate buffered saline

PE:

phycoerythrin

SA:

streptavidin

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Cell Biology Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, GPO Box 475, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    G. O. Wasteneys & R. E. Williamson

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  1. G. O. Wasteneys
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  2. R. E. Williamson
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Wasteneys, G.O., Williamson, R.E. Endoplasmic microtubules and nucleus-associated actin rings inNitella internodal cells. Protoplasma 162, 86–98 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02562552

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02562552

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