Lectins and lectin-like molecules in lower plants. II. Freshwater algae.
Freshwater chlamydomonad algae possess flagella surface isoagglutinins of a glycoprotein nature which are involved in gamete recognition and consequent cell fusion. Alternatively, such molecules may have a receptor role in certain Chlamydomonas species. In some freshwater volvocaines, lectin-like substances act as inducers of sexuality. At the moment it is speculative whether these materials can serve as naturally-occurring antibodies to protect algae from environmental antigens.
D002696:Chlamydomonas / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D005407:Flagella / Q000276:immunology; D037102:Lectins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction
D037102:Lectins; D011975:Receptors, Mitogen