Paramecium
Paramecium caudatum
Cilia
Chlorella
Macronucleus
Micronucleus, Germline
Ciliophora
Exocytosis
Nonbehavioral selection for pawns, mutants of Paramecium aurelia with decreased excitability. (1/432)
The reversal response in Paramecium aurelia is mediated by calcium which carries the inward current during excitation. Electrophysiological studies indicate that strontium and barium can also carry the inward current. Exposure to high concentrations of barium rapidly paralyzes and later kills wild-type paramecia. Following mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine, seven mutants which continued to swim in the ;high-barium' solution were selected. All of the mutants show decreased reversal behavior, with phenotypes ranging from extremely non-reversing (;extreme' pawns) to nearly wild-type reversal behavior (;partial' pawns). The mutations fall into three complementation groups, identical to the pwA, pwB, and pwC genes of Kunget al. (1975). All of the pwA and pwB mutants withstand longer exposure to barium, the pwB mutants surviving longer than the pwA mutants. Among mutants of each gene, survival is correlated with loss of reversal behavior. Double mutants (A-B, A-C, B-C), identified in the exautogamous progeny of crosses between ;partial' mutants, exhibited a more extreme non-reversing phenotype than either of their single-mutant (;partial' pawn) parents.---Inability to reverse could be expected from an alteration in the calcium-activated reversal mechanism or in excitation. A normal calcium-activated structure was demonstrated in all pawns by chlorpromazine treatment. In a separate report (Schein, Bennett and Katz 1976) the results of electrophysiological investigations directly demonstrate decreased excitability in all of the mutants, a decrease due to an altered calcium activation. The studies of the genetics, the survival in barium and the electro-physiology of the pawns demonstrate that the pwA and pwB genes have different effects on calcium activation. (+info)Interactions of membrane potential and cations in regulation of ciliary activity in Paramecium. (2/432)
Ciliary activity in Paramecium was investigated in different external solutions using techniques of voltage clamp and high frequency cinematography. An increase in the external concentration of K, Ca or Mg ions decreased the resting potential. It had no effect on ciliary activity. When the membrane potential was fixed, an increase in external Ca or Mg and, to a lesser extent, an increase in K concentration, raised the frequency of normal beating or decreased the frequency of reversed beating of the cilia. Similar effects resulted from membrane hyperpolarization with constant ionic conditions. Increase in concentration of Ca, but not of Mg or K, enhanced hyperpolarization-induced augmentation of ciliary frequency. Increase in Ca concentration also specifically augmented the delayed increase in inward current during rapid hyperpolarizing clamp. The results support the view that [Ca]i regulates the frequency and direction of ciliary beating. It is suggested that the insensitivity of the ciliary motor system to elevations of the external concentrations of ions results from compensation of their effects on [Ca]i. Depolarization itself appears to increase [Ca]i while elevation of the external ion concentrations at a fixed membrane potential appears to decrease [Ca]i. (+info)Cloning and sequencing of a protein involved in phagosomal membrane fusion in Paramecium. (3/432)
An mAb was raised to the C5 phagosomal antigen in Paramecium multimicronucleatum. To determine its function, the cDNA and genomic DNA encoding C5 were cloned. This antigen consisted of 315 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 36,594, a value similar to that determined by SDS-PAGE. Sequence comparisons uncovered a low but significant homology with a Schizosaccharomyces pombe protein and the C-terminal half of the beta-fructofuranosidase protein of Zymomonas mobilis. Lacking an obvious transmembrane domain or a possible signal sequence at the N terminus, C5 was predicted to be a soluble protein, whereas immunofluorescence data showed that it was present on the membranes of vesicles and digestive vacuoles (DVs). In cells that were minimally permeabilized but with intact DVs, C5 was found to be located on the cytosolic surface of the DV membranes. Immunoblotting of proteins from the purified and KCl-washed DVs showed that C5 was tightly bound to the DV membranes. Cryoelectron microscopy also confirmed that C5 was on the cytosolic surface of the discoidal vesicles, acidosomes, and lysosomes, organelles known to fuse with the membranes of the cytopharynx, the DVs of stages I (DV-I) and II (DV-II), respectively. Although C5 was concentrated more on the mature than on the young DV membranes, the striking observation was that the cytopharyngeal membrane that is derived from the discoidal vesicles was almost devoid of C5. Approximately 80% of the C5 was lost from the discoidal vesicle-derived membrane after this membrane fused with the cytopharyngeal membrane. Microinjection of the mAb to C5 greatly inhibited the fusion of the discoidal vesicles with the cytopharyngeal membrane and thus the incorporation of the discoidal vesicle membranes into the DV membranes. Taken together, these results suggest that C5 is a membrane protein that is involved in binding and/or fusion of the discoidal vesicles with the cytopharyngeal membrane that leads to DV formation. (+info)Cell division: The renaissance of the centriole. (4/432)
Centrioles are located at the center of the cytoskeleton and duplicate exactly once per cell cycle. Recent studies suggest that centrioles are required for the organization of a functional centrosome and that centriole assembly requires both gamma- and delta-tubulin. (+info)An electrophysiological study of the regulation of ciliary beating frequency in Paramecium. (5/432)
1. The role of the surface membrane in the control of ciliary beat frequency in Paramecium was examined by intracellular electrophysiological techniques and pressure injection of Ca2+ and EGTA. Experiments were done on wild type P. caudatum and on both the wild type and a pawn mutant of P. tetraurelia. 2. The increased frequency of beating that accompanies reversal of power stroke orientation in response to depolarization in the wild type fails to occur during depolarization in the mutant pawn, which also fails to exhibit ciliary reversal upon depolarization. 3. Injection of moderate amounts of EGTA blocked the frequency increase without interfering with reversal of the beat in response to depolarization of the wild type. Larger injection of EGTA also prevented reversed beating. 4. The beat frequency in the normal (forward-swimming) direction increased during hyperpolarization in pawn. The hyperpolarizing frequency-voltage relations were quantitatively similar to those of the wild type. 5. Injection of EGTA to a final concentration of 10 mM into wild type cells neither modified the resting frequency nor blocked the frequency increase which normally accompanies hyperpolarization. 6. Transient ciliary reversal in both pawn and wild type produced by injection of Ca2+ could be terminated by the passage of inward current. The power stroke returned to the normal forward-swimming direction and the ciliary beating frequency increased. Upon termination of the inward current the cilia of Ca2+-injected cells again beat in reverse for many seconds. 7. The results support previous reports that increased frequency of beating and ciliary reversal seen in response to depolarization both require the entry of Ca2+ through the surface membrane. On the other hand, the results indicate that frequency increase with hyperpolarization is independent of an altered rate of Ca2+ entry. 8. Increased frequency during hyperpolarization appears to be related more closely to electrotonic membrane current than to membrane potential. It is proposed that inward current might activate high frequency beating by altering the ionic environment of the axoneme within the restricted volume of the cilium by electrophoretic means. (+info)Altered calcium conductance in pawns, behavioural mutants of Paramecium aurelia. (6/432)
Pawns are behavioural mutants (in one of three genes) of Paramecium aurelia that have lost, to varying degrees, the reversal response which is thought to depend on the calcium influx during excitation. This report shows that all of the single and double mutants have reduced active inward (calcium) current, the reduction correlating with the degree of behavioural deficit. All of the mutants display normal resting potential, input impedance and delayed rectification. Mutants in genes pwA and pwC show normal anomalous rectification, but pwB mutants do not show anomalous rectification until the membrane is hyperpolarized further. We suggest that the pwA gene plays a role in depolarization sensitivity (the 'gate') and the pwB gene a role affecting either the wall of the channel itself or the total number of channels. (+info)Calcium channel stability measured by gradual loss of excitability in pawn mutants of Paramecium aurelia. (7/432)
Mutants of Paramecium aurelia that are unable to reverse swimming direction are called pawns. They lack the inward ionic (calcium) current required for the upstroke of the electrically excitable membrane response. By following the progressive loss of reversal response and excitability in cells that are suddenly changed from a heterozygous (wild-type) state to a homozygous mutant state, an estimate of the stability and mean lifetime of the calcium channel has been obtained. During rapid growth, channel dilution due to division occurred, but no channel decay was observed. Under conditions of slow growth, decay could also be observed; channel lifetime was found to be from 5 to 8 days. (+info)Guanylyl cyclases with the topology of mammalian adenylyl cyclases and an N-terminal P-type ATPase-like domain in Paramecium, Tetrahymena and Plasmodium. (8/432)
We cloned a guanylyl cyclase of 280 kDa from the ciliate Paramecium which has an N-terminus similar to that of a P-type ATPase and a C-terminus with a topology identical to mammalian adenylyl cyclases. Respective signature sequence motifs are conserved in both domains. The cytosolic catalytic C1a and C2a segments of the cyclase are inverted. Genes coding for topologically identical proteins with substantial sequence similarities have been cloned from Tetrahymena and were detected in sequences from Plasmodium deposited by the Malaria Genome Project. After 99 point mutations to convert the Paramecium TAA/TAG-Gln triplets to CAA/CAG, together with partial gene synthesis, the gene from Paramecium was heterologously expressed. In Sf9 cells, the holoenzyme is proteolytically processed into the two domains. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates expression of the protein in Paramecium and localizes it to cell surface membranes. The data provide a novel structural link between class III adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases and imply that the protozoan guanylyl cyclases evolved from an ancestral adenylyl cyclase independently of the mammalian guanylyl cyclase isoforms. Further, signal transmission in Ciliophora (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) and in the most important endoparasitic phylum Apicomplexa (Plasmodium) is, quite unexpectedly, closely related. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Paramecium" is not a medical term. It is a genus of unicellular organisms commonly found in freshwater environments. Paramecia are classified as ciliates due to the presence of hair-like structures called cilia on their surface. They use these cilia for locomotion and feeding. If you have any questions about biology or another topic, I'd be happy to try to help!
I apologize for any confusion, but "Paramecium tetraurelia" is not a medical term. It is the scientific name of a species of ciliate protists, which are single-celled organisms commonly found in freshwater environments. These organisms are often studied in biology and microbiology as models for cellular and molecular processes. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or definitions, I would be happy to help with those instead.
I apologize for the confusion, but "Paramecium caudatum" is not a medical term. It is a species of unicellular organisms called ciliates, which are commonly found in freshwater environments. The name "Paramecium caudatum" comes from its elongated rear end, or "caudate," which differentiates it from other Paramecium species.
Here is a biological definition:
Paramecium caudatum is a species of single-celled eukaryotes belonging to the phylum Ciliophora and the genus Paramecium. It is characterized by its oval or pear shape, with two nuclei (a macronucleus and a micronucleus) and thousands of cilia covering its surface. These cilia help in locomotion and feeding. The species is typically found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and streams. It reproduces asexually through binary fission but can also reproduce sexually by conjugation.
I apologize for any confusion, but "Paramecium aurelia" is not a medical term. It is the scientific name of a species of ciliated protozoan, which is commonly found in freshwater environments. This microorganism is often studied in the field of biology and genetics due to its complex life cycle and genetic diversity.
Paramecium aurelia is not a human disease or a pathogen that affects humans, so it does not have a medical definition. If you have any questions related to medicine or biology, please feel free to ask!
Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures that protrude from the surface of many types of cells in the body. They are composed of a core bundle of microtubules surrounded by a protein matrix and are covered with a membrane. Cilia are involved in various cellular functions, including movement of fluid or mucus across the cell surface, detection of external stimuli, and regulation of signaling pathways.
There are two types of cilia: motile and non-motile. Motile cilia are able to move in a coordinated manner to propel fluids or particles across a surface, such as those found in the respiratory tract and reproductive organs. Non-motile cilia, also known as primary cilia, are present on most cells in the body and serve as sensory organelles that detect chemical and mechanical signals from the environment.
Defects in cilia structure or function can lead to a variety of diseases, collectively known as ciliopathies. These conditions can affect multiple organs and systems in the body, including the brain, kidneys, liver, and eyes. Examples of ciliopathies include polycystic kidney disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Meckel-Gruber syndrome.
Chlorella is a type of single-celled, green freshwater microalgae that is rich in nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement or health food because of its high nutritional content. Chlorella contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, and is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and various phytochemicals.
Chlorella has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to support immune function, detoxify heavy metals from the body, improve digestion, and reduce chronic inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and determine safe and effective dosages. It's important to note that chlorella supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it's crucial to choose reputable brands and consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.
Genes in protozoa refer to the hereditary units of these single-celled organisms that carry genetic information necessary for their growth, development, and reproduction. These genes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules, which contain sequences of nucleotide bases that code for specific proteins or RNA molecules. Protozoan genes are responsible for various functions, such as metabolism, response to environmental stimuli, and reproduction.
It is important to note that the study of protozoan genes has contributed significantly to our understanding of genetics and evolution, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics. However, there is still much to be learned about the genetic diversity and complexity of these organisms, which continue to be an active area of research.
A macronucleus is a large, polyploid nucleus found in certain protozoa and some algal cells. It is responsible for the majority of the cell's vegetative functions, such as gene expression and protein synthesis, and it typically contains multiple copies of the genetic material. In contrast to the micronucleus, which is a smaller, diploid nucleus that is involved in the sexual reproduction of the cell, the macronucleus does not participate in the reproductive process.
In ciliates, such as Paramecium and Tetrahymena, the macronucleus is derived from the micronucleus during a process called differentiation. The micronucleus undergoes a series of divisions and develops into a multinucleated structure, which then fragments to form multiple macronuclei. These macronuclei are retained in the vegetative cells and are essential for their survival and function.
It is important to note that not all protozoa or algal cells have both a macronucleus and a micronucleus. Some species only have a single nucleus, while others may have multiple nuclei of different types. The presence and function of these various types of nuclei can vary significantly between different groups of organisms.
A micronucleus is a small extranuclear body that can be formed when chromosome fragments or whole chromosomes fail to incorporate into the main nucleus during cell division. A germline micronucleus specifically refers to this occurrence in the cells that give rise to gametes, or reproductive cells (such as sperm or egg cells). Germline micronuclei are of particular interest in genetic toxicology and genetics research because they can indicate genetic damage or mutations, which may have implications for the health of future generations.
There doesn't seem to be a specific medical definition for "DNA, protozoan" as it is simply a reference to the DNA found in protozoa. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can be found in various environments such as soil, water, and the digestive tracts of animals.
Protozoan DNA refers to the genetic material present in these organisms. It is composed of nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), which contain the instructions for the development, growth, and reproduction of the protozoan.
The DNA in protozoa, like in other organisms, is made up of two strands of nucleotides that coil together to form a double helix. The four nucleotide bases that make up protozoan DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These bases pair with each other to form the rungs of the DNA ladder, with A always pairing with T and G always pairing with C.
The genetic information stored in protozoan DNA is encoded in the sequence of these nucleotide bases. This information is used to synthesize proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of the organism's cells. Protozoan DNA also contains other types of genetic material, such as regulatory sequences that control gene expression and repetitive elements with no known function.
Understanding the DNA of protozoa is important for studying their biology, evolution, and pathogenicity. It can help researchers develop new treatments for protozoan diseases and gain insights into the fundamental principles of genetics and cellular function.
Phycodnaviridae is a family of large, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect various types of algae, including both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic species. These viruses have a complex structure, with a capsid made up of multiple proteins and an outer lipid membrane. They are also known to contain various enzymes and other accessory proteins that are involved in the replication and packaging of their genomes.
Phycodnaviridae viruses are significant in marine ecosystems, where they play a role in regulating algal populations and contributing to nutrient cycling. Some members of this family have also been studied for their potential as sources of new genes and biomolecules with industrial or medical applications. However, it is important to note that these viruses can also cause harmful blooms or "red tides" in some aquatic environments, which can have negative impacts on fisheries and other marine resources.
A protozoan genome refers to the complete set of genetic material or DNA present in a protozoan organism. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms that lack cell walls and have diverse morphology and nutrition modes. The genome of a protozoan includes all the genes that code for proteins, as well as non-coding DNA sequences that regulate gene expression and other cellular processes.
The size and complexity of protozoan genomes can vary widely depending on the species. Some protozoa have small genomes with only a few thousand genes, while others have larger genomes with tens of thousands of genes or more. The genome sequencing of various protozoan species has provided valuable insights into their evolutionary history, biology, and potential as model organisms for studying eukaryotic cellular processes.
It is worth noting that the study of protozoan genomics is still an active area of research, and new discoveries are continually being made about the genetic diversity and complexity of these fascinating microorganisms.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Protozoan Proteins" is not a specific medical or scientific term. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms, and proteins are large biological molecules consisting of one or more chains of amino acid residues. Therefore, "Protozoan Proteins" generally refers to the various types of proteins found in protozoa.
However, if you're looking for information about proteins specific to certain protozoan parasites with medical relevance (such as Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria), I would be happy to help! Please provide more context or specify the particular protozoan of interest.
Ciliophora is a phylum in the taxonomic classification system that consists of unicellular organisms commonly known as ciliates. These are characterized by the presence of hair-like structures called cilia, which are attached to the cell surface and beat in a coordinated manner to facilitate movement and feeding. Ciliophora includes a diverse group of organisms, many of which are found in aquatic environments. Examples of ciliates include Paramecium, Tetrahymena, and Vorticella.
Exocytosis is the process by which cells release molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, to the extracellular space. This process involves the transport of these molecules inside vesicles (membrane-bound sacs) to the cell membrane, where they fuse and release their contents to the outside of the cell. It is a crucial mechanism for intercellular communication and the regulation of various physiological processes in the body.
Holosporaceae is a family of intracellular bacteria that are known to infect various species of protozoa and algae. The bacteria are characterized by their unique life cycle, which involves two distinct forms: the infectious form, called a "malike body," and the replicative form, which exists inside a vacuole within the host cell.
The malike bodies are typically rod-shaped or ovoid in shape and can survive outside of the host cell for extended periods of time. When they come into contact with a suitable host, they can infect the host by entering through its cell membrane. Once inside the host cell, the malike body transforms into the replicative form, which divides by binary fission within the vacuole.
Holosporaceae bacteria are known to cause various effects on their hosts, ranging from benign infections to severe pathologies. Some species of Holosporaceae have been shown to manipulate the host cell's reproduction and differentiation processes, leading to changes in the host's behavior or morphology.
It is worth noting that while Holosporaceae bacteria are fascinating from a biological perspective, they are not typically considered to be human pathogens and do not pose a significant threat to human health.
Organoids are 3D tissue cultures grown from stem cells that mimic the structure and function of specific organs. They are used in research to study development, disease, and potential treatments. The term "organoid" refers to the fact that these cultures can organize themselves into structures that resemble rudimentary organs, with differentiated cell types arranged in a pattern similar to their counterparts in the body. Organoids can be derived from various sources, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or adult stem cells, and they provide a valuable tool for studying complex biological processes in a controlled laboratory setting.