Chlorotetracycline-binding surface regions in gemmalings of Riella helicophylla (Bory et Mont.) Mont.

The unistratose thallus of the gemmaling of Riella helicophylla is divided into an apical growth lobe with the meristem, an intermediate pillar, and a basal rhizoidal lobe. This organization can be correlated with a distinct fluorescence pattern of wall and membrane after treatment with chlorotetracycline. Mature cells of the growth lobe are distinguished by two chlorotetracycline-binding surface regions (CSR) with a diameter of 6-12 μm in the middle of both outer cell surfaces. Meristematic cells are devoid of CSR. The same is true for cells of the pillar which elongate under low light intensity. Rhizoid initials have an enlarged CSR on the site where the rhizoidal tube will emerge, whereas the opposite cell surface lacks any chlorotetracycline fluorescence. With the beginning of the extension of the rhizoid, CSR remains as a ring around the base of the tube. Darkness, plasmolysis, and sulfhydryl reagents inhibit the fluorescence of CSR, whereas calcium antagonists in addition suppress the fluorescence of the rhizoids. Cytochemical methods demonstrate that sulfhydryl proteins and anionic polysaccharides are involved in adsorbing chlorotetracycline in this region. Surface electron-microscopic preparations reveal a local depression of the wall covered with amorphous material.