Effects of UV-C radiation on membrane potential and electric conductance in internodal cells of Nitellopsis obtusa

Effects of 253.7 nm ultraviolet radiation on membrane potential and conductance in internodal cells of Nitellopsis obtusa were studied. The radiation caused transient depolarization of plasmalemma and tonoplast and simultaneous increase in electric conductance. These effects were partly reversible and the degree of the recovery depended on the duration of the exposure. In cells with potential difference (between vacuole and external medium) more negative than – 140 mV, the radiation induced an action potential. The hyperpolarized state created by visible light and indole-3-acetic acid was fully suppressed by the radiation. The results are discussed taking into account the data for Chara corallina obtained by C. J. Doughty and A. B. Hope. It is suggested that 253.7 nm radiation inhibits electrogenic proton pumps in the plasmalemma and activates the Cl⁻ channels.