Abstract
The effects of electro- and chemical fusion procedures on cell wall formation and cell division of lettuce and soybean protoplasts were studied. Judging from Calcofluor White staining, cell wall formation of both lettuce and soybean protoplasts was stimulated by electro-fusion procedure 3 h after application. On the other hand, the cell wall formation of lettuce protoplasts was not affected by the chemical fusion treatment using polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, cell wall formation was inhibited with a very dilute concentration of PEG when lettuce protoplasts were mixed with PEG for 3 h followed by Calcofluor White staining. The enhancement of cell division of soybean protoplasts was observed by the electro-fusion treatment 3 days of culture. By transmission electron microscopy, it was also confirmed that the cell wall was detected on the surface of the electrofusion-treated protoplasts 1 day after culture. A cell wall was not observed on the surface of nontreated protoplasts. Moreover, the endoplasmic reticulum in the treated soybean protoplasts increased compared with nontreated ones.
