Electron microscope studies on surface activity in cells of Chara vulgaris

Abstract

Small ‘fleck-like’ structures have been observed in the cell walls of developing lateral branches of Chara vulgaris. These were orientated with their flat surface parallel to the plasmalemma, and appeared to lie in definite layers at different depths in the wall. It was considered that these structures were membranous material periodically incorporated into the wall by deposition of other material. In the same cells membranous material was observed on the outside of the plasmalemma. It is thought that these residues may subsequently become buried in the wall to form the ‘flecks’. Charasomes, consisting of an invagination of the plasmalemma containing distinct tubules, were frequently observed alongside longitudinal walls of cells of more mature laterals. The possible function of these organelles is discussed.