Membrane-bound Ca2+ distribution visualized by chlorotetracycline fluorescence during morphogenesis of soredia in a lichen

In the lichen Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. the distribution pattern of membrane-bound Ca2+ is investigated in the symbionts by chlorotetracycline (CTC)-induced fluorescence during the development of propagative structures, the soredia. The results demonstrate that Ca2+ accumulation in the alga and the fungus is associated with this morphogenetic process; particularly, polarized hyphal growth involves a tip-to-base Ca2+ gradient. CTC fluorescence distribution is coincident with that of cholinesterase (ChE) activity during morphogenesis of soredia. A comparison is suggested with 'embryonic ChE' of animal cells, where developmental events are regulated by a cholinergic mechanism that also modulates Ca2+ levels.