Localization of phosphatases in young gametophytes ofPolypodium vulgare L.

Summary The distribution of activity of several phosphatases was investigated in filamentous gametophytes of the fernPolypodium vulgare L. High levels of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, and 5-nucleotidase were found in the rhizoids, where they may be concerned in the uptake of substances by the rhizoids. Glucose-6-phosphatase was localized mainly at the base of the rhizoid where it may be involved in the transport of sugars from the protonema to the rhizoid. In the protonema acid and alkaline phosphatases were localized mainly along the transverse walls, particularly along the distal surface, and it is suggested that they may be concerned in movement of substances along the protonema.