Transient existence of life without a cell membrane: a novel strategy of siphonous seaweed for survival and propagation.
Siphonous seaweeds, which constitute a vital component of coral reefs, are structurally simple, single-celled coenocytic macroscopic green algae. Kim et al.1 have recently shown the extraordinary wound-repair and propagation mechanism of one such siphonous green alga--Bryopsis plumosa. Nucleocytoplasmic aggregates, which are released after injury to this plant, are membraneless structures that can survive in seawater for 10-20 minutes, before they are surrounded by a gelatinous envelope. Subsequently, a cell membrane and cell wall are synthesized around each of these aggregates and the resulting individual cells, so formed, develop into new plants. This report represents a significant advance in our understanding of wound response and, more significantly, is probably the first example of transient survival of life without a cell membrane!
Ram
Monika
M
Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.
Babbar
Shashi B
SB
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism*; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012623:Seawater