Ba2+ ions hyperpolarize algal cell membrane and enhance plasmalemma resistance without affecting ion and water contents.
Culturing the fresh-water alga Hydrodictyon reticulatum for 9 days in the presence of 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/l Ba2+ increases the membrane potential about twice and the plasmalemma resistance 5-10 times without having any significant effect on the cell contents of water and Na+, K+ and Cl- ions. While in control cells the membrane potential is determined by the diffusion potential of K+, in Ba(2+)-treated cells the factor determining membrane potential and resistance is the unequal distribution of protons across the membrane.
Metlicka
R
R
Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
Rauferová
L
L
Sigler
K
K
Janácek
K
K
D001464:Barium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007477:Ions; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism
D002712:Chlorides; D007477:Ions; D001464:Barium; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium