ISOLATION OF PROTOPLASTS FROM THE COCCAL GREEN-ALGA EREMOSPHAERA-VIRIDIS DEBARY FOR PATCH-CLAMP MEASUREMENTS

A method for enzymatic isolation of protoplasts from the unicellular g reen alga Eremosphaera viridis for patch-clamp measurements is describ ed. Viable protoplasts with ''patch-clean'' plasma membranes could onl y be isolated when combining high enzyme concentrations and long incub ation times. In whole-cell recordings the protoplasts exhibited electr ical properties similar to those measured in intact cells. Taken toget her with the protoplasts' ability for rapid deplasmolysis after transf er into hypotonic solution, this indicates the viability of the isolat ed protoplasts.