Abstract
Effect of alkali metal ions on the orientation of cortical MTs (microtubules) was investigated using Spirogyra cells. With GdCl3, inhibitor of mechanosensing receptor, alkali metal ion affected the orientation of cortical MTs in a characteristic manner. Na+ and Rb+ induced the ratio of cells having transverse MTs to increase, whereas K+ and Cs+ had almost no effects. Na+ and Rb+ had the same effect, while K+ and Cs+ had a different effect, that was already reported in the movement of water molecules treated with far infrared radiating ceramic and is the first report in living things. In addition, other interesting phenomena of MT orientation related to trehalose is reported.
