Seasonal changes of ionic concentrations in the vacuolar sap of Chara vulgaris L. growing in a brackish water lake.

The composition of the vacuolar sap of Chara vulgaris growing in a brackish water lake was estimated weekly over 2 years (1984-1985). The ionic concentrations of the main cations Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ and the anion Cl- varied depending on cell age, developmental state, and season. The average of all measurements (in mM) was Na+: 35, K+: 106, Ca2+: 7, Mg2+: 23, Cl-: 101, SO 2-4 : 20, and PO 3-4 : 5. At the onset of growth in May/June the ionic content was lower compared to the mean value for the year, steadily increasing until it reached its maximum above the annual mean in winter. During the period of fructification (sexual reproduction: formation of antheridia and oogonia), when up to 100 mM sucrose was accumulated in the vacuolar sap, ionic content was lowest. This resulted in a fairly constant osmotic potential throughout the year. Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrations were correlated with the physiological age of the cells.