A quantitative investigation of symplasmic transport in Chara corallina. II. The symplasmic transport of chloride

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Abstract
We report measurements of the tempo of 36Cl transport across the nodal complex of Chara corallina. By combining these data with the results of a quantitative ultrastructural study of the size and frequency of plasmodesmata in the nodal complex, we can calculate the resistance offered to diffusion by the plasmodesmata, assuming that diffusion is the rate-limiting step. Based on this assumption, the plasmodesmatal fluid is about 31 times more resistant to diffusion than water; but it is suggested that cyclosis in the internodal cells up to the nodal complex may have some rate-controlling influence. Also the viscosity of flowing cytoplasm can increase the resistance to diffusion above that in water. Therefore it is possible that the plasmodesmata are filled only with viscous or gelled cytoplasm.

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