Water permeability of chlorella cell membranes by nuclear magnetic resonance: measured diffusion coefficients and relaxation times

Measurement by two nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques of the mean residence time τ_a of water molecules inside Chlorella vulgaris (Beijerinck) var. “viridis” (Chodot) is reported. The first is the Conlon and Outhred (1972 Biochim Biophys Acta 288: 354-361) technique in which extracellular water is doped with paramagnetic Mn²⁺ ions. Some complications in application of this technique are identified as being caused by the affinity of Chlorella cell walls for Mn²⁺ ions which shortens the NMR relaxation times of intra- and extracellular water. The second is based upon observations of effects of diffusion on the spin echo of intra- and extracellular water. Echo attenuation of intracellular water is distinguished from that of extracellular water by the extent to which diffusive motion is restricted. Intracellular water, being restricted to the cell volume, suffers less echo attenuation. From the dependence of echo amplitude upon gradient strength at several values of echo time, the mean residence time of intracellular water can be determined. From the mean residence time of intracellular water, the diffusional water permeability coefficient of the Chlorella membrane is calculated to be 2.1 ± 0.4 × 10⁻³ cm sec⁻¹.