Optimized Laboratory Maintenance and Functional Testing of Chara braunii

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Chara braunii is an emerging model organism for plant evolution and development studies.
• Previous research was limited by challenges like epiphyte overgrowth and non-continuous growth.
• Established Chara species have been vital for electrophysiology, cytoplasmic streaming, and cell biology research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present optimized protocols for C. braunii NIES-1604 cultivation, germination, and in vivo staining.
• To overcome limitations hindering its use as a model organism.
• To facilitate laboratory cultivation and advance C. braunii research.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a custom cultivation chamber simulating natural conditions for year-round growth.
• Determination of optimal stratification periods for C. braunii NIES-1604 oospore germination.
• Development of fluorescence-based in vivo staining protocols for cellular structures.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 26% germination rate for C. braunii NIES-1604 oospores.
• Enabled precise simulation of natural conditions for continuous C. braunii cultivation.
• Established routine in vivo staining methods for plasma membrane, cell wall, and nuclei.

Conclusions:

• The presented affordable methods provide a valuable resource for establishing Chara cultures.
• These protocols overcome limitations in C. braunii cultivation and germination.
• The study advances the utility of C. braunii NIES-1604 as a model organism in plant science.