Fusion of photoreceptor membrane vesicles

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Abstract
Summary Then-alkyl bromides with 6 to 10 carbons induce formation of vesicles of 5 to 100 μm diameter from the small vesicles (0.1 μm average diameter) produced by disruption of the discs from frog rod photoreceptors. Then-alkanes,n-alkyl iodides andn-alkyl chlorides are relatively ineffective. The formation of large vesicles is independent of calcium concentration and is distinguished from fusion processes previously reported by the large number of vesicles involved. The results reported here together with others suggest the occurrence of multiple fusion (and/or rupture-resealing) events between vesicles, induced by then-alkyl bromides.