Summary
Examination by electron microscopy has revealed 2 types of microfilament in the cytoplasm of 3 strains of axenically grownNaegleria fowleri amoebae. Thin, actin-like microfilaments 5–7 nm in diameter are randomly oriented in the nonmotile amoebae, and are concentrated near the plasma membrane. In the actively motile amoebae these microfilaments aggregate to form colateral bundles in close proximity to the plasma membrane. Thick, myosin-like microfilaments 17–19 nm in diameter also occur in the amoebae cytoplasm. The significance of these 2 kinds of microfilament in amoeboid motion is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Comly, L. T.: Microfilaments inChaos carolinensis. J. Cell Biol.58, 230–237 (1973)
Durham, A. C. H.: A unified theory of the control of actin and myosin in nonmuscle movements. Cell2, 123–135 (1974)
Eckert, B. S., McGee-Russell, S. M.: The patterned organization of thick and thin microfilaments in the contracting pseudopod ofDifflugia. J. Cell Sci.13, 727–739 (1973)
Fulton, C.: Amebo-flagellates as research partners. In: D. M. Prescott, ed., Methods in cell physiology. New York and London: Academic Press 1970
Habery, M.: Räumliche Anordnung von Plasmafilamenten beiThecamoeba sphaeronucleolus. Cytobiologie8, 61–75 (1973)
Huxley, H. E.: Muscular contraction and cell motility. Nature (Lond.)243, 445–449 (1973)
Jahn, T. L., Bovee, E. C.: Protoplasmic movements within cells. Physiol. Rev.49, 793–862 (1969)
Lastovica, A. J.: An investigation into some properties of the actomyosin-like protein ofNaegleria gruberi amoeba. Thesis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (1970)
Lastovica, A. J., Dingle, A. D.: Superprecipitation of an actomyosin-like protein complex isolated fromNaegleria gruberi amoebae. Exp. Cell Res.66, 337–345 (1971)
Michel, R., Schupp, E.: Darstellung von Microfilamenten im Cytoplasma vonEntamoeba histolytica. Z. Parasitenk.43, 285–298 (1974)
Michel, R., Schupp, E.: Fibrilläre und tubuläre Feinstrukturen im Cytoplasma vonEntamoeba histolytica. Z. Parasitenk.47, 11–21 (1975)
Morgan, J.: Microfilaments from amoeba proteins. Exp. Cell Res.65, 7–16 (1971)
Nachmias, V. T.: Fibrillar structures in the cytoplasm ofChaos chaos. J. Cell Biol.23, 183–188 (1964)
Nachmias, V. T.: Further electron microscope studies on fibrillar organization of the ground cytoplasm ofChaos chaos. J. Cell Biol.38, 40–50 (1968)
Nachmias, V. T.: Filament formation by purifiedPhysarum myosin. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci.69, 2011–2014 (1972)
Pollard, T. D., Ito, S.: Cytoplasmic filaments ofAmoeba proteus. 1. The role of filaments in consistency changes and movement. J. Cell Biol.46, 267–289 (1970)
Pollard, T. D., Korn, E. D.: Association of actin filaments with isolated plasma membranes ofAcanthamoeba castellanii. J. Cell Biol.55, 205a (1972)
Pollard, T. D., Korn, E. D.: The contractile proteins ofAcanthamoeba castellanii. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol.37, 573–584 (1973)
Rinaldi, R. A., Hrebenda, B.: Oriented thick and thin filaments inAmoeba proteus. J. Cell Biol.66, 193–198 (1975)
Rinaldi, R. A., Opas, M., Hrebenda, B.: Contractility of glycerinatedAmoeba proteus andChaos chaos. J. Protozool.22, 286–292 (1975)
Taylor, D. L., Condeelis, J. S., Moore, P., Allen, R. D.: The contractile basis of amoeboid movement. 1. The chemical control of motility in isolated cytoplasm. J. Cell Biol.59, 378–394 (1973)
Weihing, R. R., Korn, E. D.:Acanthamoeba actin. Isolation and properties. Biochemistry10, 590–600 (1971)
Wohlman, A., Allen, R. D.: Structural organization associated with pseudopod extension and contraction during cell locomotion inDifflugia. J. Cell Sci.3, 105–114 (1968)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lastovica, A.J. Microfilaments inNaegleria fowleri amoebae. Z. F. Parasitenkunde 50, 245–250 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462969
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462969