Research Output
Cellular responses of developing Fucus serratus embryos exposed to elevated concentrations of Cu2+.
  Elevated concentrations of Cu2+ can have inhibitory effects on early development in plants and algae by targeting specific cellular processes. In the present study the effects of elevated Cu2+ on developmental processes in embryos of the brown algae Fucus serratus (Phaeophyceae) were investigated. Elevated Cu2+ was shown to inhibit fixation of the zygotic polar axis but not its formation. Actin localization was unaffected by elevated Cu2+ but polarized secretion, which occurs downstream, was inhibited. Significant differences in tolerance to Cu2+ were observed for polarization and rhizoid elongation of embryos derived from adults from Cu2+-contaminated and uncontaminated locations. Moderate Cu2+ exposure inhibited the generation of cytosolic Ca2+ signals in response to hypo-osmotic shocks. In contrast, cytosolic Ca2+ was elevated by treatments with high [Cu2+] and this coincided with production of reactive oxygen species. The results indicate that direct effects on signalling processes involved in polarization and growth may in part explain complex, concentration-dependent effects of Cu2+ on early development.

  • Type:

    Article

  • Date:

    01 October 2003

  • Publication Status:

    Published

  • Publisher

    Wiley-Blackwell

  • DOI:

    10.1046/j.1365-3040.2003.01091.x

  • Cross Ref:

    10.1046/j.1365-3040.2003.01091.x

  • ISSN:

    0140-7791

Citation

Nielsen, H. D., Brown, M. T., & Brownlee, C. (2003). Cellular responses of developing Fucus serratus embryos exposed to elevated concentrations of Cu2+. Plant, Cell and Environment, 26(10), (1737-1747). doi:10.1046/j.1365-3040.2003.01091.x. ISSN 0140-7791

Keywords

Fucus; Developmental inhibition; Cell polarity; Copper; Signalling; Stress response; Toxicity mechanism; Zygote;

Monthly Views:

Available Documents