The Physiology of Giant Algal Cells

The giant cells of certain algae are of especial value as experimental material for the investigation of physiological problems. This 1975 account gives a historical background to this. The authors consider water relations, ionic relations, the electrical properties of membranes, action potentials, active transport, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ion transport and use, and protoplasmic streaming. The authors are at pains to point out the general implications of the findings for the plant kingdom and occasionally for the animal kingdom as well. Advanced students, teachers and research workers in plant physiology, cell physiology and biophysics will find this a stimulating account of an important area of research.

Preface; Symbols used; Abbreviations; 1. Giant cells as experimental material; 2. Two hundred years: early physiology; 3. Water relations; 4. Permeability to nonelectrolytes; 5. Compartments and ionic concentrations; 6. Ionic fluxes and kinetic models; 7. Electrical properties of membranes; 8. Action potentials in charophyte cells; 9. Studies of active transport - cations; 10. Studies of active transport - anions; 11. The transport and use of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ions; 12. Protoplasmic streaming; Appendixes; References; Index.

The giant cells of certain algae are of especial value as experimental material for the investigation of physiological problems. This 1975 account gives a historical background to this. The authors point out the general implications of the findings for the plant kingdom and occasionally for the animal kingdom as well.