Microtubule organization differs between acid and alkaline bands in internodal cells of Chara but bands can develop in the absence of microtubules.

We have studied the relationship between pH banding and the organization of cortical microtubules in the alga Chara corallina Klein ex Willd. Microtubules were visualized by immunofluorescence and also by imunogold-silver enhancement to allow immediate comparison of microtubule arrangement with visible structural cell features. In cells that are nearing growth completion, microtubule number and alignment change between acidic and alkaline bands over a distance of a few micrometres. Thus, it appears that the still unknown mechanisms for microtubule organization respond to the localized differences in membrane properties. Band formation was not prevented when microtubules were depolymerized with the herbicide oryzalin, demonstrating that microtubules are not necessary for pH bands to develop in these cells.