PH-dependent cell–cell interactions in the green alga Chara

Characean internodal cells develop alternating patterns of acid and alkaline zones along their surface in order to facilitate uptake of carbon required for photosynthesis. In this study, we used a pH-indicating membrane dye, 4-heptadecylumbiliferone, to study the kinetics of alkaline band formation and decomposition. The differences in growth/decay kinetics suggested that growth occurred as an active, autocatalytic process, whereas decomposition...