Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1976

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

Parameters affecting the fusion of plant protoplasts with avian erythrocytes were studied. Protoplasts were produced from Nicotiana tobaccum L. var. H-38 by pectinolytic and cellulolytic digestion of the cell wall. Avian erythrocytes were treated with pronase in order to remove part of the glycocalyx. Polyethylene glycol was utilized to agglutinate and subsequently induce fusion between the two cell types. The effects of washing solutions and the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol on the fusion of both cell types were delineated. The fusion reaction was monitored by white light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Topographical and ultrastructural studies have shown that during agglutination, localized areas of close adhesion occurred between contiguous plasmalemmae. Fusion was observed at the margins of the adhering surfaces. Avian erythrocytes containing chloroplasts or starch grains, as well as plant protoplasts containing avian erythrocyte cytoplasm were evident. Cytoplasmic mixing between the two cell types occurred within 3 hours.

Extent

75 p.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1976.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1976.

Identifier

FADT13818

Format

pdf

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