How Characean algae take up needed and excrete unwanted ions – An overview explaining how insights from electrophysiology are useful to understand the ecology of aquatic macrophytes

Characean algae have been a model plant for electrophysiology many decades, due to the large size of internodal cells and their robust recovery from invasive manipulation. The information gained them has provided template understanding groups. relative ability take up or export ions, including nutrients toxins, can be part explanation as why certain macrophytes occur preferably in nutrient-rich oligotrophic habitats, some grow brackish water only freshwater, growth is limited particular range pH. electrical characteristics macrophyte’s play determining factor these transport properties, yet electrophysiological results are seldom cited ecological publications, perhaps difficulties communication between fields with different research approaches terminology. We here present main findings on ions out cells, way that more accessible ecologists. examine mechanism by which generate voltage difference across membrane, its effect mechanisms moved against gradients determine passive movements. Finally, we use example salinity tolerance show what learn about evolution salt plants using techniques. • electrophysiology. membrane potential profound uptake ions. Electrophysiology may help explain ecology algae. Electrophysiological publications. important an understandable way.