Intercellular communication during sexual reproduction of Closterium (Conjugatophyceae)

Processes of intercellular communication during sexual reproduction of conj ugating green algae Closterium were reviewed. In the case of Closterium per acerosum-strigosum-littorale complex, two sex-specific pheromones and their receptors were involved in sexual reproduction. These pheromones were glyc oproteins and the expression of corresponding genes was critically regulate d by the sex and environmental conditions. In the case of Closterium ehrenb ergii, chemotactic and sexual cell division-inducing activities for mating- type plus cells were detected and characterized. Although many processes re main to be elucidated, the present results will be helpful for understandin g not only the mode of sexual reproduction in Closterium but also the varie ty of intercellular communication in the plant kingdom especially during se xual reproduction.