The pulse current pattern generated by developing fucoid eggs. 1975

R Nuccitelli, and L F Jaffe

Using a newly developed extracellular vibrating electrode, we have made the first study of the spatial distribution of the growth currents around a single developing egg. This pattern was studied during the current pulses wihic traverse two-celled Pelvetia embryos. These pulses can be stimulated to occur with a periodicity of 70 min by mild acidification of the dea water medium. Current enters only at the growing rhizoid's tip while leaving both the base of the rhizoid cell and the whole outer membrane of the thallus cell. The field in front of the rhizoid cell falls off as the inverse cube of the distance from the rhizoid cell's center in the manner of a dipole field. The total inward and outward currents are equal, agreeing with theory. The current density at the rhizoid cell's base is twice that at the top of the thallus cell and this probably represents a change in the outer membrane's properties. There are no significant differences in the durrent density over the thallus cell. These results suggest a model in which the pulse current leaks in through newly opened channels in the growing tip and leaks out elsewhere due to the resultant fall in the membrane potential.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010063 Ovum A mature haploid female germ cell extruded from the OVARY at OVULATION. Egg,Egg, Unfertilized,Ova,Eggs, Unfertilized,Unfertilized Egg,Unfertilized Eggs
D004566 Electrodes Electric conductors through which electric currents enter or leave a medium, whether it be an electrolytic solution, solid, molten mass, gas, or vacuum. Anode,Anode Materials,Cathode,Cathode Materials,Anode Material,Anodes,Cathode Material,Cathodes,Electrode,Material, Anode,Material, Cathode
D004594 Electrophysiology The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D005260 Female Females
D006863 Hydrogen-Ion Concentration The normality of a solution with respect to HYDROGEN ions; H+. It is related to acidity measurements in most cases by pH pH,Concentration, Hydrogen-Ion,Concentrations, Hydrogen-Ion,Hydrogen Ion Concentration,Hydrogen-Ion Concentrations
D012624 Seaweed Multicellular marine macroalgae including some members of red (RHODOPHYTA), green (CHLOROPHYTA), and brown (PHAEOPHYCEAE) algae. They are widely distributed in the ocean, occurring from the tide level to considerable depths, free-floating (planktonic) or anchored to the substratum (benthic). They lack a specialized vascular system but take up fluids, nutrients, and gases directly from the water. They contain CHLOROPHYLL and are photosynthetic, but some also contain other light-absorbing pigments. Many are of economic importance as FOOD, fertilizer, AGAR, potash, or source of IODINE. Macroalgae
D013997 Time Factors Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations. Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor

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