Dielectric single cell spectra in snow algae

Abstract

Single cell dielectric spectroscopy is introduced to investigate the passive electric properties of individual snow algal cells at different developmental stages. This non-destructive technique characterises the conductivities and permittivities of cell compartments, such as the cell wall, cytoplasm and membrane. To calculate the conductivities and permittivities in a quantitative manner, multi-shelled models are introduced. Dielectric spectra of snow algae are determined by the cell wall which has been found to have an extremely low permittivity of 3–5. Very likely this is a consequence of the high content of Al-Fe silicates and a low water content. Compared with cells and protoplasts of higher plants, the cell interior has a lower internal conductivity.