Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PARAMECIUM”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources

Effects of nuclease and protease digestion on the ultrastructure of Paramecium basal bodies.

The action of deoxyribonuclease, ribonuclease, perchloric acid, and pronase on the fine structure of basal bodies of sectioned Paramecium was observed as part of a more extensive autoradiographic electron microscope analysis directed toward the problem of basal body DNA. DNase was found to have no detectable effect on basal body fine structure. Pronase first solubilized the linkers and C tubules of the triplets, then attacked the protein portion of the axosome, a localized portion of the ciliary axoneme adjacent to the distal end of the basal body, the rim fiber, and newly described lumen spiral complex. Prolonged pronase treatment disrupted the remaining microtubular elements, basal body plates, and cartwheel. RNase removed material from the axosome and the lumen complex, a conspicuous structure occupying the central portion of the basal body and consisting of a twisted or looped 90-A diam fiber or, more probably, pair of fibers, in association with large, dense granules. The apparent removal of both RNA and protein from this basal body structure by either of the two corresponding enzymes suggests an unusual organization of the two components. Observations from this and other laboratories suggest that the basal body RNA is single stranded. Its function is unknown but alternatives are discussed.

Animals↗

Mating-reactive membrane vesicles from cilia of Paramecium caudatum.

Membrane vesicles with a high mating reactivity were obtained from cilia of Paramecium caudatum by treatment with a solution containing 2 M urea and 0.1 mM Na2-EDTA. All processes of conjugation were induced in cells of the complementary mating type by approximately 10 mug/ml proteins of the vesicles. Electron microscope observation showed that the membrane vesicles have a diameter of 100-150 nm. Electrophoretic analysis on SDS polyacrylamide gel revealed no significant difference in polypeptide patterns of the particles from the two complementary mating types.

Animals↗

Characterization of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes from Paramecium aurelia.

The ribosomes extracted from the mitochondria of the ciliate, Paramecium aurelia, have been shown to sediment at 80S in sucrose gradients. The cytoplasmic ribosomes also sediment at 80S but can be distinguished from their mitochondrial counterparts by a number of criteria. Lowering of the Mg++ concentration, addition of EDTA, or high KCl concentrations results in the dissociation of the cytoplasmic ribosomes into 60S and 40S subunits, whereas the mitochondrial ribosomes dissociate into a single sedimentation class at 55S. Furthermore, the relative sensitivity of the two types of ribosome to dissociating conditions can be distinguished. Electron microscopy of negatively stained 80S particles from both sources has also shown that the two types can be differentiated. The cytoplasmic particles show dimensions of 270 X 220 A whereas the mitochondrial particles are larger (330 X 240 A). In addition, there are several distinctive morphological features. The incorporation of [14C]leucine into nascent polypeptides associated with both mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes has been shown: the incorporation into cytoplasmic 80S particles is resistant to erythromycin and chloramphenicol but sensitive to cycloheximide, whereas incorporation into the mitochondrial particles is sensitive to erythromycin and chloramphenicol but resistant to cycloheximide.

Animals↗

Regulation of macronuclear DNA content in Paramecium tetraurelia.

The macronucleus of Paramecium divides amitotically, and daughter macronuclei with different DNA contents are frequently produced. If no regulatory mechanism were present, the variance of macronuclear DNA content would increase continuously. Analysis of variance within cell lines shows that macronuclear DNA content is regulated so that a constant variance is maintained from one cell generation to the next. Variation in macronuclear DNA content is removed from the cell population by the regulatory mechanism at the same rate at which it is introduced through inequality of macronuclear division. Half of the variation in macronuclear DNA content introduced into the population at a particular fission by inequality of division is compensated for during the subsequent period of DNA synthesis. Half of the remaining variation is removed during each subsequent cell cycle. The amount of variation removed in one cell cycle is proportional to the postfission variation. The cell's power to regulate DNA content is substantially greater than that required to compensate for the small differences that arise during division of wild-type cells. For example, a constant variance was still maintained when the mean difference between sister cells was increased to ten times its normal level in a mutant strain. The observations are consistent with a replication model that assumes that each cell synthesizes an approximately constant amount of DNA which is independent of the initial DNA content of the macronucleus. It is suggested that the amount of DNA synthesized may be largely determined by the mass of the cell.

Animals↗

Immunological studies of isolated particulates of Paramecium aurella. I. Antigenic relationships between cytoplasmic organelles and evidence for mitochondrial variations as demonstrated by gel diffusion.

Mitochondria and other particulates-cilia, trichocysts, and "small granules"-have been isolated from several stocks of Paramecium aurelia, syngen 2. Antisera against these particles and against breis have been used to characterize the fractions by diffusion in gel. Evidence is presented for the relationship of particles, as demonstrated by immunologic cross-reactivity of the soluble antigens extracted from them. Although some antigens are unique for a fraction, cross-reacting antigens in two or more fractions, as determined by "spur" formation in agar, suggest a relationship between morphologically diverse particles. A procedure for studying cross-reactions in gels is described using the specific immobilization antigens as a model. The localization of these antigens within cilia, and perhaps trichocysts, has been confirmed. Other organelles, specifically mitochondria and "small granules," appear to alter their specificity spontaneously and reversibly during cell reproduction, a pattern reminiscent of the immobilization serotypes which can transform to one another during clonal growth.

Antigens↗

Restoration of membrane excitability in a behavioral mutant of Paramecium caudatum during conjugation and by microinjection of wild-type cytoplasm.

When cells of the behavioral mutant cnrC of Paramecium caudatum were mated with the wild type, phenotype change from CNR (no backward swinning) to wild type in the cnrC mate occurred immediately after the formation of tight pairs. No change of phenotype occurred when cells of cnrA or cnrB were mated with wild type. Phenotypic change from CNR to wild type in cells of cnrC was also induced by microinjection of wild-type cytoplasm. Microinjection of wild-type cytoplasm induced no change in cells of cnrA or cnrB. Phenotypic change in the cnrC mate during conjugation can be explained by cytoplasmic exchange during conjugation, though transfer of membrane sites for excitability through membrane fluidity cannot be ruled out.

Action Potentials↗

Biochemical studies of the excitable membrane of Paramecium tetraurelia. III. Proteins of cilia and ciliary membranes.

As a first step in the biochemical analysis of membrane excitation in wild-type Paramecium and its behavioral mutants we have defined the protein composition of the ciliary membrane of wild-type cells. The techniques for the isolation of cilia and ciliary membrane vesicles were refined. Membranes of high purity and integrity were obtained without the use of detergents. The fractions were characterized by electron microscopy, and the proteins of whole cilia, axonemes, and ciliary membrane vesicles were resolved by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing in one and two dimensions. Protein patterns and EM appearance of the fractions were highly reproducible. Over 200 polypeptides were present in isolated cilia, most of which were recovered in the axonemal fraction. Trichocysts, which were sometimes present as a minor contaminant in ciliary preparations, were composed of a very distinct set of over 30 polypeptides of mol wt 11,000--19,000. Membrane vesicles contained up to 70 polypeptides of mol wt 15,000--250,000. The major vesicle species were a high molecular weight protein (the "immobilization antigen") and a group of acidic proteins with mol wt similar to or approximately 40,000. These and several other membrane proteins were specifically decreased or totally absent in the axoneme fraction. Tubulin, the major axonemal species, occurred only in trace amounts in isolated vesicles; the same was true for Tetrahymena ciliary membranes prepared by the methods described in this paper. A protein of mol wt 31,000, pI 6.8, was virtually absent in vesicles prepared from cells in exponential growth phase, but became prominent early in stationary phase in good correlation with cellular mating reactivity. This detailed characterization will provide the basis for comparison of the ciliary proteins of wild-type and behavioral mutants and for analysis of topography and function of membrane proteins. It will also be useful in future studies of trichocysts and mating reactions.

Animals↗

Control of membrane fusion in exocytosis. Physiological studies on a Paramecium mutant blocked in the final step of the trichocyst extrusion process.

Previous studies on exocytosis in Paramecium using mutants affecting trichocyst extrusion permitted us to analyze the assembly and function of three intramembrane particle arrays ("ring" and "rosette" in the plasma membrane, "annulus" in the trichocyst membrane) involved in the interaction between these two membranes. Using a conditional mutation, nd9, which blocks rosette assembly and prevents exocytosis at the nonpermissive temperature, we have analyzed the effect of temperature on the secretory capacity of nd9 cells. By combining several techniques (physiological studies, microinjections, inhibition of fatty acid synthesis, and freeze-fracture analysis) we demonstrate (a) that the product of the mutated allele nd9 is not thermolabile but that its activity is dependent upon temperature-induced changes in the membrane lipid composition and (b) that the product of the nd9 locus is a diffusible cytoplasmic component whose interaction with both plasma membrane and trichocyst membrane is required for rosette assembly and exocytosis. The data provide physiological evidence for the existence of a molecular complex(es) linking the two membranes and involved in the control of membrane fusion; we discuss the possible nature and function of these links.

Animals↗

Digestive system membranes: freeze-fracture evidence for differentiation and flow in Paramecium.

Freeze-fractured membranes of digestive vacuoles of randomly feeding Paramecium caudatum exhibit dramatic differences in intramembrane particle (IMP) number and distribution on both E- and P-fracture faces. By pulse-feeding latex spheres to cells we have demonstrated that these differences are related to the age of the digestive vacuoles, and that the membranes of such vacuoles undergo a specific sequence of changes during the digestive cycle. Young digestive vacuoles (DV-I; less than or equal to 6 min), nascent vacuoles still connected to the cytopharynx, and discoidal vesicles, from which vacuole membrane is derived, all have a highly particulate E face and a less particulate P face. As early as 3 min after feeding, a second category of digestive vacuoles (DV-II) can be recognized, which are both considerably smaller in diameter and lack particles on their E face. These findings suggest that the endocytic removal of DV-I membrane material associated with the formation of DV-II vacuoles involves a concomitant and selective removal of E-face particles, as essentially no changes are seen in the density of P-face particles on the two types of vacuoles. Beginning at 10 min the first DV-III vacuoles are encountered. These are both larger than the DV-II vacuoles and possess very prominent E-face particles, which resemble those on the E face of the numerous lysosomes bordering the digestive vacuoles. DV-III vacuoles also exhibit a substantial increase in P-face particles. These membrane changes closely parallel, and are probably correlated with, the physiological events occurring within the vacuole lumen: concentration of food, killing of prey, and digestion. Calculations of the amount of membrane removed from DV-I to form DV-II and of the increase in membrane surface area during the transition from DV-II to DV-III indicate that as much as 90% of the initial phagosome (DV-I) membrane can be removed before digestion begins. The enlargment of DV-II must be caused by fusion with adjacent lysosomes which also contribute the new populations of IMPs to the DV-III membrane. The appearance of numerous endocytic structures on older DV-III vacuoles suggests that membrane is retrieved from DV-III before defecation.

Animals↗

Characterization of the cilia and ciliary membrane proteins of wild-type Paramecium tetraurelia and a pawn mutant.

Cilia and ciliary membranes were isolated from axenically grown, wild-type Paramecium tetraurelia strain 51s and from the extreme pawn mutant strain, d495, derived from this parental strain. Over 60 protein bands having molecular weights of 15 to greater than 300 kdaltons were detected by Coomassie Blue staining of whole cilia proteins separated by one-dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. About 30 of these protein bands were visible in Coomassie Blue-stained membrane separations. About 60 bands were detected by silver staining of one-dimensional gels of membrane proteins. Differences between Coomassie Blue-stained separations of wild-type and pawn mutant strain d495 membrane proteins were seen in the quantity of a band present at 43 kdaltons. Radioiodination of cell surface proteins labeled approximately 15 protein bands in both wild-type and mutant cilia. The major axonemal proteins were unlabeled. Six membrane glycoproteins were identified by staining one-dimensional separations with iodinated concanavalin A and lentil lectin, two lectins that specifically bind both glucose and mannose residues. Two major neutral sugar species present in an acid hydrolysate of the cilia preparation were tentatively identified as glucose and mannose by gas chromatography of the alditol acetate derivatives.

Animals↗

Cytoskeleton-secretory vesicle interactions during the docking of secretory vesicles at the cell membrane in Paramecium tetraurelia cells.

Stationary-phase cells of Paramecium tetraurelia have most of their many secretory vesicles ("trichocysts") attached to the cell surface. Log-phase cells contain numerous unoccupied potential docking sites for trichocysts and many free trichocysts in the cytoplasm. To study the possible involvement of cytoskeletal elements, notably of microtubules, in the process of positioning of trichocysts at the cell surface, we took advantage of these stages. Cells were stained with tannic acid and subsequently analyzed by electron microscopy. Semithin sections allowed the determination of structural connections over a range of up to 10 micrometer. Microtubules emanating from ciliary basal bodies are seen in contact with free trichocysts, which appear to be transported, with their tip first, to the cell surface. (This can account for the saltatory movement reported by others). It is noteworthy that the "rails" represented by the microtubules do not directly determine the final attachment site of a trichocyst. Unoccupied attachment sites are characterized by a "plug" of electron-dense material just below the plasma membrane; the "plug" seems to act as a recognition or anchoring site; this material is squeezed out all around the trichocyst attachment zone, once a trichocyst is inserted (Westphal and Plattner, in press. [53]). Slightly below this "plug" we observed fasciae of microfilaments (identified by immunocytochemistry using peroxidase labeled F(ab) fragments against P. tetraurelia actin). Their arrangement is not altered when a trichocyst is docked. These fasciae seem to form a loophole for the insertion of a trichocyst. Trichocyst remain attached to the microtubules originating from the ciliary basal bodies--at least for some time--even after they are firmly installed in the preformed attachment sites. Evidently, the regular arrangement of exocytotic organelles is controlled on three levels: one operating over a long distance from the exocytosis site proper (microtubules), one over a short distance (microfilament bundles), and one directly on the exocytosis site ("plug").

Animals↗

Microinjection of cytoplasm as a test of complementation in Paramecium.

Mutants in Paramecium tetraurelia, unable to generate action potentials, have been isolated as cells which show no backward swimming in response to ionic stimulation. These "pawn" mutants belong to at least three complementation groups designated pwA, pwB, and pwC. We have found that microinjection of cytoplasm from a wild-type donor into a pawn recipient of any of the three complementation groups restores the ability of the pawn to generate action potentials and hence swim backward. In addition, the cytoplasm from a pawn cannot restore a recipient of the same complementation group, but that from a pawn of a different group can. Electrophysiological analysis had demonstrated that the restoration of backward swimming is not due to a simple addition of ions but represents a profound change in the excitable membrane of the recipient pawn cells. Using known pawn mutants and those which had previously been unclassified, we have been able to establish a perfect concordance of genetic complementation and complementation by cytoplasmic transfer through microinjection. This method has been used to classify pawn mutants that are sterile or hard-to-mate and to examine the ability of cytoplasms from different species of ciliated protozoa to restore the ability to swim backward in the pawn mutants of P. tetraurelia. A cell homogenate has also been fractionated by centrifugation to further purify the active components. These results demonstrate that transfer of cytoplasm between cells by microinjection can be a valid and systematic method to classify mutants. This test is simpler to perform than the genetic complementation test and can be used under favorable conditions in mutants that are sterile and in cells of different species.

Action Potentials↗

Stimulation and inhibition of secretion in Paramecium: role of divalent cations.

The effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on exocytosis in Paramecium tetraurelia cells were examined with light microscopy, freeze fracture (FEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of thin-sectioned embedded cells. Picric acid-Ca2+-induced secretion in wild type (wt) cells was captured by "quick" fixation with OsO4, and TEM demonstrated membrane fusion occurring before trichocyst matrix (tmx) expansion. Cells stimulated with picric acid in the presence of high extracellular Mg2+ showed very few sites of membrane fusion and no tmx expansion, suggesting that Ca2+ is required for both membrane fusion and tmx expansion. Further information was obtained by comparing secretory responses of wt cells with a temperature-sensitive secretory mutant, nd 9. These cells when grown at the permissive temperature (18 degrees C) possess normal rosettes at the secretory site and secrete in response to picric acid-Ca2+, but when grown at 27 degrees C they lack rosettes and do not secrete (Beisson, J., M. Lefort-Tran, M. Pouphile, M. Rossignol, and B. Satir, 1976, J. Cell Biol., 69:126-143). Quantitation of picric acid-Ca2+-induced secretion revealed that: (a) the number of tmx secreted by wt and nd 9 cells was independent of their cultural growth phase, (b) wt cells secreted the same number of tmx when grown either at 18 or 27 degrees C, and (c) nd 9 18 degrees C cells secreted the same number of tmx as wt 18 or 27 degrees C cells. Wild type and nd 9 cells had the same frequencies of occupied and unoccupied secretory sites as determined by quantitative analysis of freeze-fracture replicas. After stimulation with divalent cation ionophore A23187 and Ca2+, wt cells showed a significant reduction in the frequency of occupied sites. FEM and TEM studies revealed that A23187-Ca2+ induced tmx expansion and normal fusion of the plasma and trichocyst membranes in wt and nd 9 18 degrees C cells, but induced tmx expansion without concomitant membrane fusion in nd 9 27 degrees C cells. The lack of membrane fusion in nd 9 27 degrees C cells suggests that the molecules represented by rosette particles are required specifically for membrane fusion.

Animals↗

Biochemical studies of the excitable membrane of paramecium tetraurelia. IX. Antibodies against ciliary membrane proteins.

The excitable ciliary membrane of Paramecium regulates the direction of the ciliary beat, and thereby the swimming behavior of this organism. One approach to the problem of identifying the molecular components of the excitable membrane is to use antibodies as probes of function. We produced rabbit antisera against isolated ciliary membranes and against partially purified immobilization antigens derived from three serotypes (A, B, and H), and used these antisera as reagents to explore the role of specific membrane proteins in the immobilization reaction and in behavior. The immobilization characteristics and serotype cross-reactivities of the antisera were examined. We identified the antigens recognized by these sera using immunodiffusion and immunoprecipitation with 35S-labeled ciliary membranes. The major antigen recognized in homologous combinations of antigen-antiserum is the immobilization antigen (i-antigen), approximately 250,000 mol wt. Several secondary antigens, including a family of polypeptides of 42,000-45,000 mol wt, are common to the membranes of serotypes A, B, and H, and antibodies against these secondary antigens can apparently immobilize cells. This characterization of antiserum specificity has provided the basis for our studies on the effects of the antibodies on electrophysiological properties of cells and electron microscopic localization studies, which are reported in the accompanying paper. We have also used these antibodies to study the mechanism of cell immobilization by antibodies against the i-antigen. Monovalent fragments (Fab) against purified i-antigens bound to, but did not immobilize, living cells. Subsequent addition of goat anti-Fab antibodies caused immediate immobilization, presumably by cross-linking Fab fragments already bound to the surface. We conclude that antigen-antibody interaction per se is not sufficient for immobilization, and that antibody bivalency, which allows antigen cross-linking, is essential.

Animals↗

Antibodies to the ciliary membrane of Paramecium tetraurelia alter membrane excitability.

Immobilization of Paramecium followed the binding of antibodies to the major proteins of the ciliary membrane (the immobilization antigens, i-antigens, approximately 250,000 mol wt). Immunoelectron microscopy showed this binding to be serotype-specific and to occur over the entire cell surface. Antibody binding also reduced the current through the Ca-channel of the excitable ciliary membrane as monitored using a voltage-clamp. The residual Ca-current appeared normal in its voltage sensitivity and kinetics. As a secondary consequence of antibody binding, the Ca-induced K-current was also reduced. The resting membrane characteristics and other activatable currents, however, were not significantly altered by the antibody treatment. Since monovalent fragments of the antibodies also reduced the current but did not immobilize the cell, the electrophysiological effects were not the secondary consequences of immobilization. Antibodies against the second most abundant family of proteins (42,000-45,000 mol wt) had similar electrophysiological effects as revealed by experiments in which the Paramecia and the serum were heterologous with respect to the i-antigen but homologous with respect to the 42,000-45,000-mol-wt proteins. Protease treatment, shown to remove the surface antigen, also caused a reduction of the Ca-inward current. The loss of the inward Ca-current does not seem to be due to a drop in the driving force for Ca++ entry since increasing the external Ca++ or reducing the internal Ca++ (through EGTA injection) did not restore the current. Here we discuss the possibilities that (a) the major proteins define the functional environment of the Ca-channel and that (b) the Ca-channel is more susceptible to certain general changes in the membrane.

Animals↗

Retrieval of lysosomal membrane and acid phosphatase from phagolysosomes of Paramecium caudatum.

Little is known about the fate of lysosomal membrane in phagocytic cells. Because the age of the digestive vacuoles in Paramecium caudatum can be easily determined, we have been able to study the dynamic membrane events in the older vacuoles. Late in the phagolysosomal stage (DV-III) the vacuole membrane undergoes a burst of tubule formation. The tubules expand into vesicles which have characteristics resembling lysosomes in both thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. The tubules also contain acid phosphatase activity when they arise from acid phosphatase-reactive vacuoles. We conclude that after active digestion lysosomal membrane is retrieved in whole or in part along with some membrane-associated hydrolases. A logical extension of these results is that the lysosome-like vesicles, after being recharged with hydrolases by fusing with primary lysosomes, are recycled back to DV-II for reuse.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Paramecium secretory granule content: quantitative studies on in vitro expansion and its regulation by calcium and pH.

Ca2+-dependent secretion in Paramecium involves the exocytic release of a paracrystalline secretory product, the trichocyst matrix, which undergoes a characteristic structural change from a highly condensed storage form (Stage I) to an extended needle-like structure (Stage III) during release. We studied trichocyst matrix expansion in vitro to examine factors regulating the state of secretory organelle content. A new method for the isolation of membrane-free, condensed (Stage I) trichocyst matrices is described. These highly purified, condensed matrices were used to develop a rapid quantitative, spectrophotometric assay for matrix expansion to examine factors regulating the Stage I and Stage III transition. Expansion from Stages I to III was elicited in vitro by addition of Ca2+ and we found that at neutral pH, expansion required a Ca2+ concentration slightly above 10(-6)M. Previous studies indicate that calmodulin (CaM) antagonists inhibit matrix expansion in vivo. However, in vitro matrix expansion is normal even when trichocyst matrices are preincubated in CaM antagonists before stimulation. Thus, matrix components themselves are unlikely to be the site of CaM antagonist action in vivo. In vitro matrix expansion is also modulated by pH. Decreasing pH to 6.0 inhibits expansion, i.e., expansion requires higher Ca2+ concentration. Conversely, increasing pH to greater than 7.0 promotes expansion, allowing it to occur at a lower Ca2+ concentration. The pH sensitivity of the Ca2+ binding sites of the matrix suggests that, in vivo, the interior of the trichocyst vesicle may be maintained at an acidic pH. Exposure of cells to acridine orange, a fluorescent amine that accumulates in acidic intracellular compartments, leads to its uptake and concentration within trichocysts. Thus intratrichocyst pH appears to be acidic in vivo and may serve as a regulatory or "safety" mechanism to inhibit premature expansion.

Acridine Orange↗

Calcium-dependent inactivation of the calcium current activated upon hyperpolarization of Paramecium tetraurelia.

The Ca2+ current activated upon hyperpolarization of Paramecium tetraurelia decays over a period of 150-200 ms during sustained steps under voltage clamp. At membrane potentials between -70 and approximately -100 mV, the time course of this inactivation is described by a single exponential function. Steps negative to approximately -100 mV elicit currents that decay biexponentially, however. Three lines of evidence suggest that this current's inactivation is a function of intracellular Ca2+ concentration rather than membrane potential: (a) Comparing currents with similar amplitudes but elicited at widely differing membrane potentials suggests that their time course of decay is a sole function of inward current magnitude. (b) The extent of current inactivation is correlated with the amount of Ca2+ entering the cell during hyperpolarization. (c) The onset and time course of recovery from inactivation can be hastened significantly by injecting cells with EGTA. We suggest that the decay of this current during hyperpolarization involves a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway.

Animals↗