Phytochrome and calcium ions are involved in light-induced membrane depolarization in Nitella.

Isolated internodes of Nitella (N. opaca, N. flexilis) and Nitellopsis spec. were punctured with single microelectrodes and their membrane potentials were recorded continuously during various light treatments. In red light the initial response was always a depolarization. This depolarization began with a lag-time of 0.4-3.5s and reached a steady state within 1-2 min of continuous illumination. Repolarization began within several seconds after turning off the light. The magnitude of the red-light-induced depolarization increased with the Ca(2+)-concentration of the medium. The largest depolarizations were recorded in 5 m mol l(-1) Ca(2+). Ca(2+) could not be replaced in this function by Na(+), Mg(2+), La(3+) or mannitol. Far-red light alone had no effect on the resting membrane potential. Far-red light applied immediately after red light accelerated the repolarization of the membrane potential. Far-red light applied simultaneously with red light reduced the amount of depolarization and increased the rate of repolarization. The results indicate that phytochrome and Ca(2+) are involved in the light-induced depolarization of the membrane. They are consistent with the hypothesis that phytochrome may act by triggering a Ca(2+)-influx at the plasma membrane.