Isolation of functional extensor and flexor protoplasts fromPhaseolus coccineus L. pulvini: potassium induced swelling.

Methods are described for the isolation of functional protoplasts from secondary pulvinus tissue (flexor and extensor) and from leaf mesophyll tissue of primary leaves ofPhaseolus coccineus L. Integrity of the protoplasts was shown by vital staining and their ability to evolve oxygen in the light. Extensor-cell protoplasts increased their volume for up to 60% upon addition of 10 mM KCl. This K(+)-induced swelling was accompanied by increased rates of proton extrusion.