Changes in the structure and function of plant cell protoplast due to energy deficit

Abstract

The influence of glycolysis inhibitors and of the respiratory chain inhibitors on the structure and function of protoplast were investigated in Allium cepa and Tradescantia bracteata meristematic cells. Hypertrophy of rough ER and modification of active transport were found, which was expressed by changes in the permeability of the plasmalemma and tonoplast and by depressed level of active ATP-ase. It is supposed that the formation of the characteristic rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) configurations plays a significant role in bioenergetic processes by increasing the surface area active in glycolysis and in the respiratory chain connected with ER membranes.