Detection of actin and localization of phytochrome in the green alga Mougeotia by monoclonal antibodies.

In order to get insight into the topological relationship of phytochrome and the actin cytoskeleton in Mougeotia, phytochrome was localized by indirect immunofluorescence in fixed protoplasts of Mougeotia with the monoclonal antibody Z-3B1, raised against purified Zea mays phytochrome (Schneider-Poetsch et al 1988, Planta 173, 61-72). So far no detection of phytochrome in the immunoblot was possible by this antibody, in contrast to the detection of actin by the monoclonal anti-actin C4 (Lessard 1988, Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 10, 349-362). Preliminary results are presented on attempts to enrich plant factors which interfere with the G-/F-actin equilibrium, as probed by the viscometric falling ball assay.