Analysis of the Diffusion Symmetry Developed by the Alkaline and Acid Bands which form at the Surface ofChara corallinaCells

Abstract

The diffusion symmetry developed by the alkaline and aeid bands of Chara corallina was studied. The alkaline system developed a diffusion pattern which could not be fitted to the equation for a continuous point-source efflux. However, good correlation was obtained between experimental data and the diffusion equation for a hollow sphere. The calculated OH- efflux values, obtained using the equation of a continuous spherical-surface source, were checked against the influx values of H₁₄$CO3-$ obtained under the same experimental conditions. Individual OH− band efflux values ranged from 0.07 to 5.95 pmol s⁻¹ and total cell fluxes of 25 pmol cm⁻² s⁻¹ for OH^- and H$CO3-$ were obtained (in the presence of 0.5 mM NaHCO₃). The acid system developed a cylindrical diffusion pattern, but this could not be fitted to a mathematical equation. Numerical analysis will have to be employed to obtain values of H⁺ efflux.