Cytoskeleton: Microtubules

Hyperosmotic stress induces formation of tubulin macrotubules in root-tip cells of Triticum turgidum: their probable involvement in protoplast volume control

Treatment of root-tip cells of Triticum turgidum with 1 M mannitol solution for 30 min induces microtubule (Mt) disintegration in the plasmolyzed protoplasts. Interphase plasmolyzed cells possess many cortical, perinuclear and endoplasmic macrotubules, 35 nm in mean diameter, forming prominent arrays. In dividing cells macrotubules assemble into aberrant mitotic and cytokinetic apparatuses resulting in the disturbance of cell division. Putative tubulin paracrystals were occasionally observed in plasmolyzed cells. The quantity of polymeric tubulin in plasmolyzed cells exceeds that in control cells. Root-tip cells exposed for 2-8 h to plasmolyticum recover partially, although the volume of the plasmolyzed protoplast does not change detectably. Among other events, the macrotubules are replaced by Mts, chromatin assumes its typical appearance and the cells undergo typical cell divisions. Additionally, polysaccharidic material is found in the periplasmic space. Oryzalin and colchicine treatment induced macrotubule disintegration and a significant reduction of protoplast volume in every plasmolyzed cell type examined, whereas cytochalasin B had only minor effects restricted to differentiated cells. These results suggest that Mt destruction by hyperosmotic stress, and their replacement by tubulin macrotubules and putative tubulin paracrystals is a common feature among angiosperms and that macrotubules are involved in the mechanism of protoplast volume regulation.

Altered patterns of tubulin polymerization in dividing leaf cells of Chlorophyton comosum after a hyperosmotic treatment

•  Microtubule organization and tubulin polymerization in meristematic leaf cells of Chlorophyton comosum treated with an aqueous solution of 1 M mannitol, inducing plasmolysis, were examined with immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. •  Hyperosmotic treatment induced disintegration of the interphase microtubule systems. Free tubulin, either liberated from the depolymerized microtubules or pre-existing as a nonassembled pool, was incorporated into a network of paracrystals. In most of the dividing cells, mitotic and cytokinetic microtubule systems were replaced by atypical spindle-like structures displaying bipolarity and atypical phragmoplasts, respectively. These atypical mitotic and cytokinetic structures consisted of large densely packed bundles of macrotubules (32 nm diameter) or macrotubules and paracrystals. Tubulin paracrystals also occurred in ectopic positions in plasmolysed mitotic and cytokinetic cells. Dividing cells displaying paracrystals only did not form atypical mitotic and cytokinetic apparatuses. •  Short hyperosmotic stress causes disintegration of all microtubule arrays in dividing cells of C. comosum. Free tubulin is incorporated into macrotubules and tubulin paracrystals. The latter exhibit definite periodicity and characteristic fine structure.