Ultrastructural studies of heterocyst induction by neo-peptone in Anabaena cylindrica

Abstract An ultrastructural study has been performed to elucidate the effect of active polypeptide(s) from neo-peptone on heterocyst induction in Anabaena cylindrica 1]. There was an immediate aggregation of A. cylindrica cells and a clumping of filamentous appendages in the mucilaginous sheath on the addition of active polypeptide(s) from neo-peptone. However, there was no change in the cell wall and cell membrane ultrastructure. An increase in cell length, contortion and disintegration of thylakoids, disappearance of polyphosphate bodies and an accumulation of polyglucose bodies were observed after 18 h of treatment. The double heterocysts induced show a normal heterocyst ultrastructure with well-developed polar nodules between the heterocysts and the vegetative cells, as well as between two heterocysts.
It appears that the inductive effect of active polypeptide(s) from neo-peptone is mediated through their specific binding to filamentous appendages in the mucilaginous sheath.