THE GOLGI-APPARATUS AND MEMBRANE TRAFFICKING IN GREEN-ALGAE

This chapter reviews some of the major aspects of endomembrane system of green algae or Chlorophyta, with emphasis on aspects about the Golgi apparatus (GA) and post-trans face membrane trafficking. The endomembrane systems of various green algae comprise a rich diversity of type. The specific diversity of extracellular-matrix components and other secretory products and the wide range of mechanisms involved in regulating membrane levels and developmental patterns define such endomembrane diversity. This wide morphological diversity is often expressed in distinct, evolutionary transitions. This rich morphological and associated phylogenetic diversity has made green algae popular specimens in developmental and evolutionary studies. Some components or processes of the green algal endomembrane system are significantly different than what is known for other eukaryotes. In addition to vacuoles, other distinct endomembrane constituents found in green algae include post-trans face chambers, scale reservoirs, and charasomes. Many higher plant cells possess a special post-trans face chamber called the partially coated reticulum (PCR). This endomembrane component has been suggested to be a compartment involved in membrane trafficking especially in the recycling of membrane via endocytosis. © 1991 Academic Press Inc.