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Published on: November 6, 2021
Calcium gradients in conifer pollen tubes; dynamic properties differ from those seen in angiosperms
Mark D Lazzaro1, Luis Cardenas, Aadra P Bhatt
1Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA. lazzarom@cofc.edu
Norway spruce pollen tubes exhibit a unique calcium gradient crucial for tip growth and organelle movement. Manipulating calcium levels impacts elongation and motility, revealing complex intracellular signaling in conifer pollen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Pollen tubes are a model for polarized cell growth.
- Conifer pollen tubes differ from angiosperm types in growth rate and organelle movement patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i), tip elongation, and intracellular motility in Norway spruce (Picea abies) pollen tubes.
- To understand the unique characteristics of conifer pollen tube growth compared to angiosperms.
Main Methods:
- Ratiometric ion imaging using fura-2-dextran to measure cytosolic free Ca2+.
- Microinjection of calcium chelators (5,5' dibromo-BAPTA) and perfusion with caffeine and lanthanides.
- Observation of organelle movement and cell elongation under various calcium conditions.
Main Results:
- A tip-focused [Ca2+]i gradient (450 nM apex to 225 nM base) was observed in Picea abies pollen tubes.
- Calcium manipulation affected elongation and organelle motility, with calcium channel blockers inhibiting growth.
- Lanthanide perfusion altered organelle positioning and motility, including a switch to reverse fountain movement.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular calcium plays a critical role in regulating tip elongation and intracellular organelle motility in Norway spruce pollen tubes.
- The observed calcium dynamics and organelle movement patterns are unique to conifer pollen tubes.
- There is a complex interplay between intracellular calcium and the motile processes governing cellular organization in Picea abies pollen.
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