The suitability of the lead precipitation method for the localization of active ATPases in the meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. roots

Abstract

Demonstrated in this study is the suitability of the lead precipitation method for the localization of active ATPases bound with the mitochondrial membranes, ER and plasma membranes of meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. root apices. It was found that the presence of glutaraldehyde in the fixative has a significant influence on the fixation of ATPases and that a somewhat smaller influence is exhibited by formaldehyde. Also shown in this study is the relationship between the course of the reaction indicating the presence of active ATPases and the precipitating activity of Pb ions as well as the stimulatory effect of Ca2, Mg2 and K on the transport ATPase bound with the plasma and ER membranes.

Keywords

• meristematic cells
• active ATPases
• lead precipitation method