The behaviour of the plasma membrane during plasmolysis: a study by UV microscopy

A high resolution ultraviolet (UV) bright-field microscope was used to analyse the formation of Hechtian strands and the Hechtian reticulation that remain attached to the cell wall after plasmolysis and deplasmolysis of onion inner epidermal cells. In real time video images, UV microscopy allowed a detailed investigation of the dynamic behaviour of the plasma membrane during the processes of osmotic water loss and uptake. Furthermore, the role of cytoskeletal elements as possible linkers of the plasma membrane to the cell wall was probed by application of cytoskeletal drugs during plasmolysis. Microtubules were depolymerized in oryzalin, and latrunculin B was used to destabilize actin microfilaments. The results showed no visible changes in the formation of the Hechtian reticulation or strands. Plasmolysis forms appeared to be normal, indicating stong membrane-to-wall attachments independent of cytoskeletal elements. During re-expansion of the protoplast in deplasmolysis, the plasma membrane incorporated Hechtian strands and subprotoplasts, fused with the Hechtian reticulation and finally realigned at the cell wall.