Ultrastructural Explanation for Snapping Postfission Movements in Arthrobacter crystallopoietes

The ultrastructure of dividing rod-stage cells of Arthrobacter crystallopoietes was examined by electron microscopy. The cell walls consist of two layers. During cell division, the inner layer invaginates to form the septum. The outer layer does not participate in septum formation. After septum formation is completed, the two daughter cells remain attached by the outer layer of the cell wall. It appears that localized rupture of the outer layer during further wall growth is responsible for the phenomenon known as "snapping division" or "snapping postfission movement."     

A new assembly pathway for the cytokinetic Z ring from a dynamic helical structure in vegetatively growing cells of Bacillus subtilis

The earliest event in bacterial cell division is the formation of a Z ring, composed of the tubulin-like FtsZ protein, at the division site at midcell. This ring then recruits several other division proteins and together they drive the formation of a division septum between two replicated chromosomes. Here we show that, in addition to forming a cytokinetic ring, FtsZ localizes in a helical-like pattern in vegetatively growing cells of Bacillus subtilis. FtsZ moves rapidly within this helix-like structure. Examination of FtsZ localization in individual live cells undergoing a single cell cycle suggests a new assembly mechanism for Z ring formation that involves a cell cycle-mediated multistep remodelling of FtsZ polymers. Our observations suggest that initially FtsZ localizes in a helical pattern, with movement of FtsZ within this structure occurring along the entire length of the cell. Next, movement of FtsZ in a helical-like pattern is restricted to a central region of the cell. Finally the FtsZ ring forms precisely at midcell. We further show that another division protein, FtsA, shown to interact with FtsZ prior to Z ring formation in B. subtilis, also localizes to similar helical patterns in vegetatively growing cells.     

The absence of centrioles from spindle poles of rat kangaroo (PtK2) cells undergoing meiotic-like reduction division in vitro

Light and electron microscopy were used to study somatic cell reduction division occurring spontaneously in tetraploid populations of rat kangaroo Potorous tridactylis (PtK2) cells in vitro. Light microscopy coupled with time-lapse photography documented the pattern of reduction division which includes an anaphase-like movement of double chromatid chromosomes to opposite spindle poles followed by the organization of two separate metaphase plates and synchronous anaphase division to form four poles and four daughter nuclei. The resulting daughter cells were isolated and cloned, showing their viability, and karyotyped to determine their ploidy. Ultrastructural analysis of cells undergoing reduction consistently revealed two duplexes of centrioles (one at each of two spindle poles) and two spindle poles in each cell that lacked centrioles but with microtubules terminating in a pericentriolar-like cloud of material. These results suggest that the centriole is not essential for spindle pole formation and division and implicate the could region as a necessary component of the spindle apparatus.     

Live cell imaging of mitochondrial movement along actin cables in budding yeast

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial inheritance is essential for cell division. In budding yeast, mitochondrial movement from mother to daughter requires (1) actin cables, F-actin bundles that undergo retrograde movement during elongation from buds into mother cells; (2) the mitochore, a mitochondrial protein complex implicated in linking mitochondria to actin cables; and (3) Arp2/3 complex-mediated force generation on mitochondria. RESULTS: We observed three new classes of mitochondrial motility: anterograde movement at velocities of 0.2-0.33 microm/s, retrograde movement at velocities of 0.26-0.51 microm/s, and no net anterograde or retrograde movement. In all cases, motile mitochondria were associated with actin cables undergoing retrograde flow at velocities of 0.18-0.62 microm/s. Destabilization of actin cables or mutations of the mitochore blocked all mitochondrial movements. In contrast, mutations in the Arp2/3 complex affected anterograde but not retrograde mitochondrial movements. CONCLUSIONS: Actin cables are required for movement of mitochondria, secretory vesicles, mRNA, and spindle alignment elements in yeast. We provide the first direct evidence that one of the proposed cargos use actin cables as tracks. In the case of mitochondrial inheritance, anterograde movement drives transfer of the organelle from mothers to buds, while retrograde movement contributes to retention of the organelle in mother cells. Interaction of mitochondria with actin cables is required for anterograde and retrograde movement. In contrast, force generation on mitochondria is required only for anterograde movement. Finally, we propose a novel mechanism in which actin cables serve as "conveyor belts" that drive retrograde organelle movement.     

Comparison of dose-response curves for alpha factor-induced cell division arrest, agglutination, and projection formation of yeast cells. Implication for the mechanism of alpha factor action

MAT alpha cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae produce a polypeptide mating pheromone, alpha factor. MATa cells respond to the pheromone by undergoing several inducible responses: the arrest of cell division, the production of a cell surface agglutinin, and the formation of one or more projections on the cell surface commonly termed the "shmoo" morphology. Dose-response curves were determined for each of these inducible responses as a function of alpha factor concentration. It is shown that under conditions commonly employed in previous studies, the dose-response for cell division arrest is determined by the rate at which cells inactivate the alpha factor. In order to achieve conditions where inactivation would not be the dominant parameter, the cell division response to alpha factor was monitored at low cell densities. Under conditions of essentially no alpha factor destruction, the dose of alpha factor at which cells exhibit a half-maximal response for cell division arrest (2.5 X 10(-10) M) is nearly the same as that at which cells exhibit a half-maximal response for agglutination induction (1.0 X 10(-10) M). On the contrary, the half-maximal response for projection formation was obtained at doses of alpha factor 2 orders of magnitude higher (1.4 X 10(-8) M). These results are consistent with the same high affinity alpha factor receptor mediating both cell division arrest and agglutination induction. A different system of lower affinity must mediate projection formation. Alternatively, if the same system and receptor are used, then a much higher occupancy is required for the induction of projections compared to division arrest and agglutination induction.     

Cellular stages in cartilage formation as revealed by morphometry, radioautography and type II collagen immunostaining of the mandibular condyle from weanling rats

The role played by cell addition, cell enlargement, and matrix deposition in the endochondral growth of the condyle was assessed in weanling rats by four approaches making use of the light microscope: morphometry, 3H-thymidine radioautography, 3H-proline radioautography, and immunostaining for the cartilage-specific type II collagen. From the articular surface down, the condyle may be divided into five layers made up of cells embedded in a matrix: 1) the articular layer composed of static cells in a matrix rich in fibers presumed to be of type I collagen, 2) the polymorphic cell layer including the progenitor cells from which arise the cells undergoing endochondral changes, 3) the flattened cell layer in which cells produce a precartilagenous matrix devoid of type II collagen while undergoing differentiation in two stages: a "chondroblast" stage and a short "flattened chondrocyte" stage when intracellular type II collagen elaboration begins, 4) the upper hypertrophic cell layer, in which cells are "typical chondrocytes" that enlarge at a rapid rate, actively produce type II collagen, and deposit it into a cartilagenous matrix, and 5) the lower hypertrophic cell layer, composed of chondrocytes at a stage of terminal enlargement while the cartilagenous matrix is adapting for mineralization. 3H-thymidine radioautographic results indicate that the turnover time of progenitor cells in the polymorphic cell layer is about 2.9 days. The time spent by cells at each stage of development is estimated to be 1.4 days as chondroblasts, 0.5 days as flattened chondrocytes, 2.3 days as the chondrocytes of the upper hypertrophic cell layer, and 1.1 days as those of the lower hypertrophic cell layer. Calculations referring to a 1 x 1-mm square-sided column extending from the articular surface to the zone of vascular invasion provide the daily rate of cell addition (0.0077 mm3), extracellular matrix deposition (0.0127 mm3), and cell enlargement (0.0302 mm3). Hence the respective contribution of the three factors to condyle growth is in a ratio of about 1:1.6:4. This result emphasizes the role played by cell enlargement in the overall growth of the condyle.     

The role of intragemmular osmotic pressure in cell division and hatching of gemmules of the fresh-water sponge Spongilla lacustris (Porifera)

Summary The gemmule coat of Spongilla lacustris is histologically single-layered in the gemmules studied in this work. This single layer is comparable to the classically described internal chitinous membrane of Leveaux (1939). It has been found to contain collagen with an axial period in electron micrographs of about 120 Å and is bounded internally by a thin dense layer which is separate from the internal gemmular cells, and which may be chitinous.Gemmules of this sponge studied during March to June of 1973 respond to 230 mOsmolar solutions of small molecules by: 1. undergoing no change, in which case the substances are freely permeable to the gemmule coat and cells; 2. displaying shrinkage of the cell mass, in which case the substances are permeable to the coat but relatively impermeable to the cells; 3. displaying folding of the coat and cell mass shrinkage because the substances are relatively impermeable to both the coat and the cells; and 4. displaying complete collapse of the gemmule due to impermeability to the coat. The lipid solubility of a substance is directly related to its ability to penetrate the coat. Further, molecular size and charge are also of apparent importance.Substances which penetrate the coat and remain osmotically active (are not metabolized) inhibit hatching. Low concentrations of sodium chloride (23 mOsmolar) have been demonstrated to reversibly inhibit hatching. Higher concentrations cause irreversible damage at 20° C but have little effect at 4° C, indicating that damage is related to the metabolic level of the cells. Once hatching is stimulated by increased temperature the cells become progressively less sensitive to an increase in osmotically active substances.Inhibition of gemmule hatching can theoretically occur by: 1. an addition of solutes to the gemmular fluid, or 2. through an increase in concentration of intragemmular solutes by water withdrawal.Our results raise the question of whether the inhibition of hatching by gemmulostasine, reported by Rasmont (1965) and Rozenfeld (1970, 1971), is due to an osmotic effect rather than to a specific physiological one.Based upon the results reported here and on the work of Zeuthen (1939) and Schmidt (1970) we propose a tight coupling between the intragemmular osmotic pressure and the triggering of hatching (cell division). Any substance which increases intragemmular osmotic pressure to a large enough extent will inhibit hatching. Furthermore, it can be hypothesized that hatching is normally triggered by a decrease in osmotic pressure due to water movement into the gemmule, the movement of solutes out of the gemmule, or to a combination of these.This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (GB-37775) to T. L. S.     

Cell lineage analysis of maize bundle sheath and mesophyll cells

Maize leaves are divided into repeated longitudinal units consisting of vascular tissue, bundle sheath (BS), and mesophyll (M) cells. We have carried out a cell lineage analysis of these cell types using six spontaneous striping mutants of maize. We show that certain cell division patterns are preferentially utilized, but not required, to form the characteristic arrangement of cell types. Our data suggest that early in development a central cell layer is formed, most frequently by periclinal divisions in the adaxial subepidermal layer of the leaf primordium. Lateral and intermediate veins are initiated in this central layer, most often by divisions which contribute daughter cells to both the procambium and the ground meristem. These divisions generate "half vein" units which comprise half of the bundle sheath cells around a vein and a single adjacent M cell. We show that intermediate veins are multiclonal both in this transverse direction and along their lengths. BS cells are more closely related to M cells in the middle layer of the leaf than to those in the upper and lower subepidermal layers. An examination of sector boundaries has shown that photosynthetic differentiation in M cells is affected by the phenotype of neighboring BS cells.     

Ultrastructure of the Cell Wall and Cell Division of Unicellular Blue-green Algae

The fine structure of the cell wall and the process of cell division were examined in thin sections of two unicellular blue-green algae grown under defined conditions. Unilateral invagination of the photosynthetic lamellae is the first sign of cell division in the rod-shaped organism, Anacystis nidulans. Symmetrical invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane and inner wall layers follows. One wall layer, which appears to be the mucopolymer layer, is then differentially synthesized to form the septum; the outer wall layers are not involved in septum formation. Centripetal splitting of the inner layer separates the two daughter cells. A second division, in a plane parallel to the first, usually occurs before the first daughter cells are separated. In the coccoid organism, Gleocapsa alpicola, the features of cell division are broadly similar; however, unilateral invagination of the lamellae is not observed and the second division takes place in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the previous division.     

The multiprotein exocyst complex is essential for cell separation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells divide by medial fission through the use of an actomyosin-based contractile ring. A mulitlayered division septum is assembled in concert with ring constriction. Finally, cleavage of the inner layer of the division septum results in the liberation of daughter cells. Although numerous studies have focused on actomyosin ring and division septum assembly, little information is available on the mechanism of cell separation. Here we describe a mutant, sec8-1, that is defective in cell separation but not in other aspects of cytokinesis. sec8-1 mutants accumulate about 100-nm vesicles and have reduced secretion of acid phosphatase, suggesting that they are defective in exocytosis. Sec8p is a component of the exocyst complex. Using biochemical methods, we show that Sec8p physically interacts with other members of the exocyst complex, including Sec6p, Sec10p, and Exo70p. These exocyst proteins localize to regions of active exocytosis-at the growing ends of interphase cells and in the medial region of cells undergoing cytokinesis-in an F-actin-dependent and exocytosis-independent manner. Analysis of a number of mutations in various exocyst components has established that these components are essential for cell viability. Interestingly, all exocyst mutants analyzed appear to be able to elongate and to assemble division septa but are defective for cell separation. We therefore propose that the fission yeast exocyst is involved in targeting of enzymes responsible for septum cleavage. We further propose that cell elongation and division septum assembly can continue with minimal levels of exocyst function.     

Margulis' Theory on Division of Labour in Cells Revisited

Division of labour is a marked feature of multicellular organisms. Margulis proposed that the ancestors of metazoans had only one microtubule organizing center (MTOC), so they could not move and divide simultaneously. Selection for simultaneous movement and cell division had driven the division of labour between cells. However, no evidence or explanation for this assumption was provided. Why could the unicellular ancetors not have multiple MTOCs? The gain and loss of three possible strategies are discussed. It was found that the advantage of one or two MTOC per cell is environment-dependent. Unicellular organisms with only one MTOC per cell are favored only in resource-limited environments without strong predatory pressure. If division of labour occurring in a bicellular organism just makes simultaneous movement and cell division possible, the possibility of its fixation by natural selection is very low because a somatic cell performing the function of an MTOC is obviously wasting resources. Evolutionary biologists should search for other selective forces for division of labour in cells.     

On the constancy of cell division rate in the root meristem

This review examines under what circumstances the rate of cell division among cells of the root meristem is known to vary. First, methods are compared that have been used to quantify cell division rate. These can be grouped as being either cytological, in which the rate of accumulation of cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle is determined based on some form of cytological labeling, or kinematic, in which the rate of cell accumulation is determined from the net movement of cells. Then, evidence is reviewed as to whether cell division rates vary between different tissues or cell types, between different positions in the root, or finally between different environments. The evidence is consistent with cells dividing at a constant rate, and well documented examples where cell division rate changes substantially are rare. The constancy of cell division rate contrasts with the number of dividing cells, which varies extensively, and implies that a major point for cell cycle control is governing the exit from the proliferative state at the basal boundary of the meristem.     

Exploring intracellular space: function of the Min system in round-shaped Escherichia coli

The MinCDE proteins help to select cell division sites in normal cylindrical Escherichia coli by oscillating along the long axis, preventing unwanted polar divisions. To determine how the Min system might function in cells with multiple potential division planes, we investigated its role in a round-cell rodA mutant. Round cells lacking MinCDE were viable, but growth, morphology and positioning of cell division sites were abnormal relative to Min+ cells. In round cells with a long axis, such as those undergoing cell division, green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to MinD almost always oscillated parallel to the long axis. However, perfect spheres or irregularly shaped cells exhibited MinD movement to and from multiple sites on the cell surface. A MinE-GFP fusion exhibited similar behavior. These results indicate that the Min proteins can potentially localize anywhere in the cell but tend to move a certain maximum distance from their previous assembly site, thus favoring movement along the cell's long axis. A new model for the spatial control of division planes by the Min system in round cells is proposed.     

Role of the cytoskeleton in choanoflagellate lorica assembly

ABSTRACT. Cell division in Acanthoeca spectabilis produces a "naked" motile daughter cell (juvenile) that settles onto a surface and deposits siliceous costal strips that are stored extracellularly in bundles. When complete, the bundles of strips are assembled in a single continuous movement to form a basket-like lorica. Assembly can be divided into four overlapping stages. Stage 1 entails the left-handed rotation of strips at the anterior end while the posterior end remains stationary. Stage 2 includes the posterior protrusion of the cell to form a stalk. Stage 3 involves the anterior extension of the spines, and Stage 4 the dilation of the lorica chamber and deposition of the organic investment. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal a one-to-one association between the moving bundles of strips and the anterior ring of lorica-assembling tentacles. Treatment with microtubule inhibitors produces "dwarf" cells that lack stalks, have their spines extended, and possess collars but lack flagella. Treatment with microfilament (actin) inhibitors prevents extension of the anterior spines. These experiments demonstrate that posterior cell extension is primarily mediated by microtubules whereas extension of the spines is controlled by the actin cytoskeleton. The processes of cytoskeletal rotation and extracellular costal strip movement are compared, respectively, with rotation of nuclei in animal embryos and movement of mammalian cells over surfaces.     

Patterns of cell division and cell movement in the formation of the imaginal nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster.

Tritiated thymidine was administered at various times, and for various lengths of time, during the larval stages of Drosophila melanogaster. The thymidine was incorporated into DNA and was subsequently detected by autoradiography. These procedures allowed identification of those cells undergoing DNA replication at a particular time and also allowed determination of subsequent changes in relative position of these cells and some of their progeny. An analysis of these data has elucidated characteristic patterns of cell division and cell movement in the formation of the adult nervous system during postembryonic developmental stages.     

Simultaneous,real-time imaging of intracellular calcium and cellular traction force production

Cells can sense and respond to different types of mechanical stimuli that can lead to changes in rate of cell division, cell orientation, cell motility, and gene expression. There is rapidly growing interest in understanding how these processes are regulated by mechano-chemical signaling mechanisms. The movement offish epithelial keratocytes is regulated by the activation of stretch-activated calcium channels, which allow cells to trigger retraction of the rear cell margin, when forward movement is impeded. We have developed a new assay that permits imaging of intracellular calcium concentration simultaneously with the detection of traction forces generated by moving keratocytes. The assay consists of a thin sheet of gelatin embedded with a surface layer of small fluorescent marker beads, on which cells can move. The elastic properties of the gelatin substrata can be reproducibly varied over a wide range and are stable for long periods, while submerged beneath culture medium. Gelatin substrata are thin, transparent, and highly elastic, allowing real-time detection of changes in traction force production that are associated with transient increases in intracellular calcium and that occur in response to mechanical stretching.     

Effects of microtubule-inhibitors on nuclear migration and rhizoid differentiation in germinating fern spores (Onoclea sensibilis)

Summary Germinating spores of the sensitive fern,Onoclea sensibilis L., undergo premitotic nuclear migration before a highly asymmetric cell division partitions each spore into a large protonemal cell and a small rhizoid initial. Nuclear movement and subsequent rhizoid formation were inhibited by the microtubule (MT) inhibitors, colchicine, isopropyl-N-3-chlorophenyl carbamate (CIPC) and griseofulvin. Colchicine prevented polar nuclear movement and cell division so that spores developed into enlarged, uninucleate single cells. CIPC and griseofulvin prevented nuclear migration, but not cell division, so that spores divided into daughter cells of approximately equal size. In colchicine-treated spores, MT were not observed at any time during germination. CIPC prevented MT formation at a time coincident with nuclear movement in the control and caused a disorientation of the spindle MT. Both colchicine and CIPC appeared to act at a time prior to the onset of normal nuclear movement. The effects of colchicine were reversible but those of CIPC were not. Cytochalasin b had no effect upon nuclear movement or rhizoid differentiation. These results suggests that MT mediate nuclear movement and that a highly asymmetric cell division is essential for rhizoid differentiation.     

Generative cell division and sperm cell formation in barley

Summary Shortly before and during division, the generative cell of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is located near the vegetative nucleus, in the peripheral layer of the highly vacuolated vegetative cell at the aperture pole. This position is also characteristic of the two resulting sperm cells. Conventional mitosis of the generative cell is followed by cytokinesis through cell plate formation. Just after division, the two sperm cells are enclosed together within a common inner vegetative cell plasma membrane, and they gradually separate from each other only during pollen maturation. The space between the generative or sperm cell plasma membrane and the vegetative cell plasma membrane is very thin and appears to be devoid of a cell wall. Both the generative cell and the young sperm cells contain a normal set of organelles; plastids devoid of starch are only sporadically observed. Our data indicate that in Hordeum vulgare the generative cell divides after migrating inside the pollen grain. This follows the pattern of development well established for several species with tricellular pollen.     

Cell movements of the deep layer of non-neural ectoderm underlie complete neural tube closure in Xenopus

In developing vertebrates, the neural tube forms from a sheet of neural ectoderm by complex cell movements and morphogenesis. Convergent extension movements and the apical constriction along with apical-basal elongation of cells in the neural ectoderm are thought to be essential for the neural tube closure (NTC) process. In addition, it is known that non-neural ectoderm also plays a crucial role in this process, as the neural tube fails to close in the absence of this tissue in chick and axolotl. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which it functions in NTC are as yet unclear. We demonstrate here that the non-neural superficial epithelium moves in the direction of tensile forces applied along the dorsal-ventral axis during NTC. We found that this force is partly attributable to the deep layer of non-neural ectoderm cells, which moved collectively towards the dorsal midline along with the superficial layer. Moreover, inhibition of this movement by deleting integrin β1 function resulted in incomplete NTC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that other proposed mechanisms, such as oriented cell division, cell rearrangement and cell-shape changes have no or only minor roles in the non-neural movement. This study is the first to demonstrate dorsally oriented deep-cell migration in non-neural ectoderm, and suggests that a global reorganization of embryo tissues is involved in NTC.     

Cortical development in roots of the aquatic plant Pontederia cordata (Pontederiaceae)

Adventitious roots of marsh-grown Pontederia cordata were examined to determine cortical development and structure. The innermost layer of the ground meristem forms the endodermis and aerenchymatous cortex. The outermost layer of the early ground meristem undergoes a precise pattern of oblique and periclinal cell divisions to produce a single or double layer of prohypodermis with an anchor cell for each radial file of aerenchyma cells. At maturity, endodermal cell walls are modified only by narrow Casparian bands. The central regions of the ground meristem become proaerenchyma and exhibit asymmetric cell division and expansion. They produce an aerenchymatous zone with barrel-shaped large cells and irregularly shaped small cells traversing the aerenchyma horizontally along radii; some crystalliferous cells with raphides are present in the aerenchyma. The walls of the hypodermis are modified early by polyphenols. The outermost layer of the hypodermis later matures into an exodermis with Casparian bands that are impermeable to berberine, an apoplastic tracer dye. The nonexodermal layer(s) of the hypodermis has suberin-modified walls. Radial files of aerenchyma are usually connected by narrow protuberances near their midpoints, the aerenchyma lacunae having been produced by expansion of cells along walls lining intercellular spaces. We are terming this type of aerenchyma development, which is neither schizogenous nor lysigenous, "differential expansion."