Membrane Organization of the Desiccation-Tolerant Moss Tortula ruralis in Dehydrated States

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Abstract
Membrane organization of the desiccation tolerant moss T. ruralis was studied in several intensely dehydrated states (75% relative humidity [RH], 90% RH, plasmolysis in molar salt, freezing to -20.degree. C) by 31P NMR and ultrastructural analyses. Both methods revealed that even at 75% RH (-400 bars), the moss cellular membranes retained extended phospholipid bilayers. Ultrastructural analyses of the fully hydrated moss showed an extensive proliferation of membrane vesicles in the endoplasmic reticulum. During dehydration, these vesicles form layers of membrane under the plasmalemma and in some cases appear to fuse with the surface membrane. These vesicles may serve as a reservoir of membranes to accommodate for membrane surface area changes during desiccation and subsequent rehydration.