Red Light Stimulates an Increase in Intracellular Calcium in the Spores of Onoclea sensibilis

Abstract

Red light (R) stimulates an increase in the total concentration of intracellular Ca in the spores of O. sensibilis L. as determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Subsequent exposure to far-red light inhibits the R-induced increase in intracellular Ca. The majority of the increase occurs 5 min after the onset of irradiation The Ca antagonist, La3+, inhibits both germination and the R-induced increase in intracellular Ca. The R-induced increase in Ca is sufficient to account for an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca ions from 0.1 .mu.M to 1-10 .mu.M. Large detectable changes in other elements tested are not required for germination.