SODIUM EXCLUSION AND POTASSIUM RETENTION BY THE RED MARINE ALGA, PORPHYRA PERFORATA

Abstract

Cells of the red marine alga, Porphyra perforata, accumulate potassium and exclude sodium, chloride, and calcium. Various metabolic inhibitors including dinitrophenol, anoxia, and p-chloromercuribenzoate partially abolish the cells' ability to retain potassium and exclude sodium. Iodoacetate induces potassium loss only in the dark; reduced sulfur compounds offer protection against the effects of p-chloromercuribenzoate; dinitrophenol stimulates respiration at concentrations which cause potassium loss and sodium gain. Following exposure to anoxia potassium accumulation and sodium extrusion take place against concentration gradients. These movements are retarded by sodium cyanide, but are stimulated by light. Sodium entry, following long exposure to 0.6 M sucrose, occurs rapidly with the concentration gradient, while potassium entry against the concentration gradient takes place slowly, and is prevented by cyanide.