Aerts R J
Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Cell Differ. 1988 Mar;23(1-2):125-31. doi: 10.1016/0045-6039(88)90044-9.
The cytoplasmic pH (pHi) of populations of developing Dictyostelium discoideum cells was determined by means of two independent pH null-point methods. Both methods reveal in populations containing 75-80% prespore cells a pHi value of about 0.2 pH units higher than in populations containing 50% prespore cells. During the process of cell type regulation, decreases and increases in the percentage of prespore cells of about 15-20% are accompanied by decreases and increases in pHi of about 0.2 pH units. Abolition of these changes in pHi by means of a weak base or acid also prevents the regulation process. It is concluded that changes in pHi are involved in the prespore cell type regulation in D. discoideum.
