The Effects of Rapid and Very Slow Speeds of Drying on the Ultrastructure and Metabolism of the Desiccation-Sensitive MossCratoneuron filicium(Hedw.) Spruce

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Abstract
The response of the semi-aquatic moss species Cratoneuron filicinum to desiccation varies with the speed at which it loses water. On rehydration following rapid drying the contents of all cells are considerably disrupted and they become increasingly disorganized over a 24 h time period. After very slow drying some cells have the appearance of those after rapid drying, while others maintain their integrity, and the internal organization of mitochondria and chloroplasts is evident The capacity to resume protein synthesis on rehydration is reduced after very slow, slow, and rapid drying: the greater the speed of drying the more it is reduced. Rapid water loss down to 50% of original fresh weight has no irreversible effect on protein synthesis. Respiration does not occur on rehydration after rapid drying, although failure to maintain sterile conditions during measurement of oxygen consumption can lead to artefacts due to bacterial contamination. The results are contrasted with those obtained previously from the desiccation-tolerant moss Tortula ruralis, and possible reasons for the differences are outlined.