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Intracellular recordings from phycomyces

P M Groves1, R I Gamow

  • 1Departments of Psychology and Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80302.

Plant Physiology
|May 1, 1975
PubMed

Insights

This study found that light and dark adaptation in Phycomyces do not alter transmembrane potential. Intracellular recordings showed no change in membrane potential, indicating a different mechanism for these processes.

Area of Science:

  • * Mycology and cellular physiology.
  • * Investigating light responses in eukaryotic microorganisms.

Background:

  • * Phycomyces exhibits distinct responses to light, including phototropism and growth modulation.
  • * The underlying mechanisms of light transduction and dark adaptation in Phycomyces are not fully understood.
  • * Transmembrane potential is a key indicator of cellular activity and signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the role of transmembrane potential in Phycomyces light transduction and dark adaptation.
  • * To determine if changes in membrane potential correlate with responses to light stimuli or dark adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • * Intracellular recordings were performed on the giant sporangiophore of Phycomyces (stage II).
  • * Transmembrane potential was measured under various conditions, including light stimulus and dark adaptation.
  • * Depolarizing and hyperpolarizing currents were injected to assess cellular excitability.

Main Results:

  • * The mean transmembrane potential was measured at -119.9 mV (negative inside).
  • * No significant changes in transmembrane potential were observed upon light stimulation or during dark adaptation.
  • * Injected currents did not elicit any evidence of spike activity, suggesting low excitability.

Conclusions:

  • * Transmembrane potential alterations are not the basis for light transduction in Phycomyces.
  • * Changes in membrane potential do not mediate dark adaptation processes in this organism.
  • * The mechanisms for light sensing and adaptation in Phycomyces likely involve pathways other than direct modulation of membrane potential.

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