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Anion sensitivity of motility and step-down photophobic responses of Euglena gracilis

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Abstract

The motility and step-down photophobic responses of Euglena are influenced by inorganic and organic anions. Persistent motility (with Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ present) is supported with chloride or sulfate but not with acetate, nitrate or propionate as the only added anions. Cells in media containing acetate displayed a cell aggregation (clumping) behavior that was both red light sensitive and, under some conditions, was accompanied by suppression of the step-down photophobic response. Addition of sodium salts (Cl-, SO 2-4 , acetate or propionate) to cells in Cl- or SO 2-4 based media had differential effects on the duration of the step-down photophobic responses induced by blue light removal: anions alter the response. In addition, cells in all Cl- containing media showed constant photophobic response duration following repeated stimulation. Cells in some SO4 2- containing media, however, showed response summation to repeated stimulation. This latter effect was reversible and was overcome by the addition of chloride anions.

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Author notes

  1. Bodo Diehn

    Present address: Institute of Science and Technology, University of Michigan, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Ophthalmology S030, Stanford University Medical Center, 94305, Stanford, CA, USA

    Mike J. Doughty & Bodo Diehn

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  1. Mike J. Doughty
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  2. Bodo Diehn
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Doughty, M.J., Diehn, B. Anion sensitivity of motility and step-down photophobic responses of Euglena gracilis . Arch. Microbiol. 138, 329–332 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410899

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410899

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