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Cytochalasin D inhibits completion of cytokinesis and affects theca formation in dinoflagellates

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Summary

In the presence of cytochalasin D, dinoflagellates undergo mitosis and the cells begin to divide, but the completion of cell division is inhibited. InPausenella (dinospore formation),Gymnodinium andProrocentrum, Siamese twins arise which remain connected at the epicones whereas the hypocones, containing the nuclei, are separated. InScripsiella where the nucleus is centrally located, irregular binucleate cell bodies result. Cyst divisions which give rise to secondary or tertiary cysts inPaulsenella are not affected. In the athecatesPaulsenella andGymnodinium the morphogenesis of the separated cell portions is not or nearly not, respectively, disturbed by cytochalasin D. In the thecatesScripsiella andProrocentrum morphogenesis is heavily affected. InProrocentrum, wrinkled theca material is deposited instead of complete valvae. Doubling of the flagellar apparatus is not inhibited. It is concluded that the first phase of cytokinesis does not depend on actin. The daughter cells begin to separate by a mechanism which seems to be associated with the mitotic apparatus. Actin, however, is involved in the further constriction of the cleavage furrow in the second phase of cytokinesis and in the morphogenesis of the theca.

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  1. Zellenlehre, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-6900, Heidelberg 1, Federal Republic of Germany

    E. Schnepf

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  1. E. Schnepf
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Schnepf, E. Cytochalasin D inhibits completion of cytokinesis and affects theca formation in dinoflagellates. Protoplasma 143, 22–28 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282955

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