Showing papers in "Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology in 1960"

The Pigment (hemozoin) and Proteins of the Avian Malaria Parasite Plasmodium lophurae.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The use of saponin hemolysis, buffer washings and deoxyribonuclease yields quantities of erythrocyte-free plasmodia sufficiently pure for physico-chemical studies. The pigment produced by Plasmodium lophurae, unlike the pigments of the simian and human malarias, is of such low solubility in buffer solutions that urea is necessary as an additive to the buffer for adequate solubilization. On the basis of spectral and electrophoretic qualities, the pigment is a protein-porphyrin complex closely resembling methemoglobin but clearly distinct from hematin. Extraction of the pigment in solvents which degrade hemoglobin, e.g. phenol, 0.1 N NaOH, cannot be used to ascertain the properties of hemozoin, for the pigment in such solvents shows a spectrum identical to hemoglobin. The soluble parasite proteins which constitute approximately 55% of the totaI volume of the parasite as revealed by electrophoretic and ultracentrifugal analysis appear to be homogeneous. They show a marked similarity to the host hemoglobin, but differ sufficiently to verify their integrity and individuality.

A Comparative Study of Kinetoplast Ultrastructure in the Trypanosomatidae

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The kinetoplast and associated structures in Leishmanial tropica, Trypanosoma cruzi, T. lewisi, Herpeto-inonas culicis, H. muscarum and Crithidia fasciculata have been studied by electron microscopy of thin sections. The kinetoplast appears as a mitochondrion within which are antero-posteriorly oriented anastomosing fibers. In the three species parasitic in vertebrates there is a sharply delimited anterior zone where these fibers are thick and electron-dense. In the insect parasites the fibers form a looser network of approximately uniform density from anterior to posterior. The blepharoplast is the 9-fibered cylinder forming the base of the axoneme and extending below the base of the reservoir. A diffuse mass of electron-dense material surrounding this is the basal granule, visible also with the light microscope. The contractile vacuole appears in electron microsraphs as a clear area associated with Golgi material.

Effect of aminotriazole and streptomycin on multiplication and pigment production of photosynthetic microorganisms.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. 3-Amino-l,2,4-triazole (AT) stops multiplication of the photosynthetic protists, Ochromonas danica, O. mal-hamensis, Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris. and Rhodopseudo-monas palustris; it also stops growth of the multicellular plant, Spirodela oligorhiza. O. danica and S. oligorhiza are the most sensitive. AT is about equally inhibitory to algal flagellates grown in the light or dark. Porphyrin biosynthesis is suggested as the probable site of inhibition by AT. Both AT and streptomycin (SM) bleach all the above organisms. Bleaching is permanent only in SM-bleached E. gracilis; all the other organisms become fully pigmented when placed in inhibitor-free media. The uniqueness of the SM-bkaching of E. gracilis is discussed.

The Problem of Homonyms among Generic Names of Ciliated Protozoa, with Proposal of Several New Names*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Over ninety genera of ciliated protozoa have been given names preoccupied by the generic names of other animal organisms. To date some sixty of these junior homonyms never have been corrected. In half of these cases the homonymous ciliate names have been buried as synonyms of one kind or another, however, and need be of no further practical concern. For the remaining genera, thirty in number, replacement names arc proposed in the present paper in accordance with provisions of the International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature. Such action is considered to be in the best interest of ultimate taxonomic stability among the groups of organisms involved. New names also have had to be proposed for five families or subfamilies whose type genera have lost their original names through homonymy.

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen über das Nephridialsystem von Paramaecium.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The structure of the excretory apparatus of Paramecium caudatum and P. aurelia was studied in electro-micrographs of ultrathin sections. The so-called nephridial plasma visible in light microscopy was revealed as a network of fine branching tubules (nephridial tubules), of average diameter about 200 A, which surround the nephridial canals. The nephridial tubules are connected peripherally directly to branches of the endoplasmic reticulum, which extends throughout the organism. During diastole of the radial canals the nephridial tubules open into the nephridial canals, but this connection is broken during systole. Surrounding the nephridial plasma are bundles of larger tubular elements (about 500 A diameter). The osmiophile wall of the terminal nephridial canal continues without change in the walls of the ampulla, the injection canal and the contractile vacuole. Contractile fibrillar elements, arranged in fiat band-like bundles and of tubular structure (about 150-250 A diameter) without periodic cross-striations, begin at the top of the ampulla and extend, along the surface facing the pellicle, over the injection canal and contractile vacuole to the excretory canal, which they surround as a spiral envelope. The closing of the contractile vacuole to the excretory canal is effected by a relatively compact membrane without pores, so that the emptying of the vacuole must follow breaking of this membrane. The function of the excretory system is discussed in the light of these new observations.

A Mutant of Chlamydomonas moewusii lacking contractile vacuoles

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. An X-ray induced mutant (S-16) of Chlamydomonas moewusii Gerloff lacked observable contractile vacuoles. Unlike the wild strain with vacuoles, S-16 survived only when the osmotic pressure of the medium was above 1.5 atmospheres and was provided by compounds that penetrate cell membranes slowly, like NaCl or sucrose. In solutions of such compounds, when the osmotic pressure was above 2.1 atmospheres, growth of S-16 was similar to that of the wild strain. S-16 did not grow at all in isosmotic solutions of ethylene glycol cr other rapidly penetrating compounds. Urea and glycerol, which penetrate only moderately rapidly, allowed an intermediate growth. Thus, S-16 cells are dependent upon the prevention of net inward diffusion of water. Contractile vacuoles of the wild strain were not seen when cells were suspended in solutions that allowed growth of S-16. but were visible in isosmotic solutions cf ethylene glycol or ethanol. S-16 cells ultimately burst in solutions of low osmotic pressure; large vacuole-like areas were formed but did not contract. The pulsation rate of vacuoles of the wild strain was relatively independent of osmetic pressure; vacuoles became smaller and finally invisible at higher osmotic pressures. It is concluded that the sole essential function of contractile vacuoles in C. moewusii is elimination of water.

Ecdysone Induced Modifications in the Sexual Cycles of the Protozoa of Cryptocercus

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. When exogenous ecdysone is injected into a host (adult or intermolt nymph) which has no ecdysone of its own, gametogenesis is induced in the protozoa of such a host, although the host itself never undergoes ecdysis. The time required to induce this sexual process varies in different genera and with the dosage of hormone administered; but it is never possible, regardless of the amount of hormone given, to induce gametogenesis in all the genera at the same time; some still begin a day or two later than others, but never 40-45 days later as occurs in untreated roaches. Likewise, when exogenous ecdysone is administered to a nymphal host in the molting period, the sexual cycles of its protozoa are greatly accelerated, and the host undergoes ecdy-sis much sooner than would otherwise have been the case. Both sexuality in the protozoa and the molting process in the host are accelerated. Only when large doses of ecdysone are administered are the sexual cycles of the protozoa modified in any way except a decided acceleration. Quite large amounts of ecdysone present special problems for the protozoa, problems they never encounter in nature. The growth and differentiation hormone ecdysone causes the protozoa to grow and differentiate so rapidly that many of them cannot keep pace; as a result, degeneration begins, and death follows. But this over-acceleration effect of ecdysone and death of the protozoa occurs only in those genera which have not undergone gametogenesis when the large amount of hormone is administered; those which have completed gametogenesis are not affected at all. The results of acceleration have been observed in most genera, but have been studied more intensively in Tricho-nympha, where they are usually seen to be considerably more pronounced on the nuclei and chromosomes than on the cytoplasm. As a result, this genus, which invariably in nature undergoes only fertilization, is sometimes made to undergo either autogamy or endomitosis. The pronuclei, for example, differentiate and are ready to (and do) fuse before the cytoplasm of the gametocyte divides to form gametes. In the case of endomitosis, precocious differentiation of chromosomes seems to produce, or at least goes along with, premature degeneration of one centriole, the one that would ordinarily degenerate following fusion of gametes. Thus, nuclear division is made impossible. In some genera of the protozoa, the ecdysone titer must drop greatly before meiosis can begin. If the titer, after ecdysis. when it normally drops precipitously, is kept high with injections, meiosis does not begin; it is retarded for as long as the ecdysone titer is kept high.

Electron Microscopy of Pinocytosis and Food Vacuoles in Pelomyxa

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Food vacuoles have been studied in various stages of the digestive process in cultures of Pelomyxa carolinensis and P. illinoisensis after feeding Tetrahymena and Paramecium. The vacuole wall formed immediately after capture of the food organism may be only 100 m/i thick. The changes observed in the food organisms indicate that first the membranes of the pellicle are ruptured, then mitochondria, cytoplasmic matrix, and nucleus are attacked; cilia and trichocysts are more resistant. The food vacuole membrane is involved first in the removal of water from the vacuole, then in transfer of cytoplasmic fluid into the vacuole, and finally in removal of digestion products from ihe vacuole by pinocyt. Vesicles which have been derived from the plasnulf—a b pinocytosis have been observed. They characteristically have a non-turgid, non-spherical appearance when located deep m the cytoplasm and are stainable with phosphotungstic acid. Pinocytosis and the function of food vacuole membranes are discussed. It is concluded that at leait two factors contribute to the benefits derived by amoebae from pinocytosis: (1) modification of the plasmalemma membrane near the time when it becomes the pinocytic vesicle membrane, and (2) increased surface area for diffusion.

The Electron Microscopy of Sarcocystis miescheriana Kuhn 1865

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Ultrathin sections of Sarcocystis miescheriana were studied in the electron microscope. The banana-shaped body of the parasite shows a polar ring with a conoid at the anterior conical pole similar to that of S. tenella. Twenty-two fine fibrils arise from the polar ring passing radially in the pellicle. The anterior third of the cell is filled with sarconemes converging in the conoid. Behind their ends in the center of the cell large osmiophilic central granules can be seen. A large nucleus in the posterior third with a double membrane contains small chromatin granules situated peripherally. Around the nucleus and in the posterior part of the body numerous small vacuoles with osmiophilic walls, as well as mitochondria are observed. The pellicle consists of 2 layers. On the control preparations cytochemical reactions on ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, polysaccharides, glycogen, volutin and fats were performed. The surface of the cyst is covered by a thin layer showing a honey-comb structure giving rise to a great amount of parallel finger-like villi surrounding the cyst on all sides. The villi contain many very fine double-fibrils ending at the bases of villi in the finely granulated plasmatic interior cyst wall which forms also the septa of compartments. The functions of the observed organelles and structures are discussed.

The morphology and incidence of the trichomonads of swine, Tritrichomonas suis (Gruby % Delafond), Tritrichomonas rotunda, n.sp. and Trichomonas buttreyi, n.sp.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. A Tritrichomonas foetus-likt flagellate was found in the stomach, small intestine, and cecum as well as in the nasal cavity of pigs. Xo appreciable differences in morphology or response to cultivation could be found among the trichomonads from the different sites; therefore, it is considered that they.belong to a single species, Tritrichomonas suis (Gruby & Delafond). a description of which is given. This organism could be grown indefinitely in various media, and, after a short period of cultivation, it was the only species surviving in cultures that originated from cecal samples containing 2 or 3 species. T. suis was found in the nasal cavity in 55 of 100 pigs, in the stomach in 41 (8.0%) of 512, in the small intestine in 3 of 100. and in the cecum in 215 (43.370) of 496. A T. batrachorum-type trichomonad, herein described as Tritrichomonas rotunda n. sp., was found in the cecum in 52 (10.5%) of 496 pigs. This species is typically broadly pyriform or rotund (average length 8.95 ± 0.83 ii, range, 6.83-11.4), with 3 equal or subequal anterior flagella slightly longer than the body, a relatively low undulating membrane extending y2 to 2/1 of the length of the body, and a posterior free flagellum usually a little shorter than the body. The narrow axostyle, expanded anteriorly into a curved capitulum closely associated with the large, spherical, anteriorly located nucleus, projects from the posterior surface of the flagellate for a distance which equals about 2/3 half of the body length. The parabasal apparatus is biramus. This species could be maintained only temporarily in media not containing extracts of cecal contents. A Trichomonas pronazeki-typt flagellate, found in the cecum in 126 (25.4%) of 496 pigs and in the small intestine in 1 of 100. is described as Trichomonas buttreyi n. sp. This organism is relatively small (average length 5.92 ± 0.79 μ, range 4.55-7.49). ellipsoidal in shape, with 5 to 4 flagella up to twice as long as the body, a relatively high undulating membrane of body length, a narrow axostyle with an inconspicuous capitulum closely associated with the usually oval nucleus, a projecting part of the axostyle that equals about j; of the body length, and a disc-shaped parabasal body lying dorso-lateral to the nucleus. In media without cecal extract this species could not be subcultured.

The Polymorphic Life History of Tetrahymena patula

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Dimorphic populations of Tetrahymena patula L-FF result when this organism is grown axenically in Loefer's medium supplemented with aqueous lettuce extract. The two different cell types in these cultures are identified as “macrostomes”and “microstomes.” Isolation of microstomes and macrostomes from the dimorphic cultures has shown that both cell types reproduce by binary fission in this medium, and further that each cell type will occasionally give rise to the other under these conditions. Isolation experiments have also shown that both microstomes and macrostomes from the dimorphic cultures are capable of giving rise to the reproductive cyst. The cells which are liberated from the cyst have small mouths but are best referred to as “tomites,” in order to distinguish them from the self-perpetuating microstomes described above. The relatively small, rapidly swimming tomites will either transform into macrostomes or reproduce as microstomes. The life histoy of T. patula thus consists of three cell types as follows, each capable of giving rise to the other two: a macrostome, a microstome, and a tomite. Silver preparations of the dimorphic cultures have shown that oral replacement takes place. This consists of resorption of the oral apparatus and its replacement by differentiation of new mouth parts from an anarchic field of kinetosomes which arises immediately posterior to the old oral apparatus. It is suggested that this process is involved in the macrostome-microstome interconversions. Growth curves were determined for T. patula feeding on a variety of substrates. These data indicate that this species is extremely well adapted as a carnivore. It grows very poorly on bacteria, but will grow well in axenic culture if aqueous lettuce extract is provided. The lettuce extract greatly reduces the generation time and increases the maximum cell density. Loss of the micronucleus in stain L-FF is reported and discussed. The loss may be an indication that this strain has entered the senile phase of the Maupasian life cycle.

The effect of physical and chemical agents on the oocyst of Eimeria zurnii (Protozoa, Coccidia).

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. A study was made of the effects of solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, centrifugation, oxygen, pH, and certain chemical agents on the sporulation of oocysts of Eimeria zurnii of cattle. Of various chemical agents and bactericides tested, only HgCl2 exhibited a high level of activity against unsporulated oocysts. Extreme pH values of 1 and 13 did not alter sporulation. Oocysts required at least 10% of the normal amount of oxygen to sporulate at a normal rate. Physical factors found to be lethal for E. zurnii were: sunlight for as short a time as 4 hours, drying at 25% or less relative humidity, and freezing below about -7° C. Survival was directly proportional to relative humidity, but within the limits of the observations reported here, there was no correlation with time or temperature. Normal sporulation occurred from about 8° up to 32.5° C. Below 12° the time required for sporulation was exceedingly long, and at 35° sporulation was morphologically abnormal. The optimal temperature for sporulation was about 30° at which temperature some organisms completed the process in 23 hours. Fifty % of the oocysts required 65 hours to begin sporulating at 20° and 36 hours at 25° C.

Flagella Formation by Myxamoebae of the True Slime Mold. Didymium nigripes

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. For development of flagella by myxamoebae of the true slime mold, Didymium nigripes, optimal results were obtained when they were incubated in 0.05 M NaHCOa (pH 9.1). Streptomycin inhibited flagella formation in pH 6.2 phosphate buffer but had no effect in NaHC03. The time necessary for 50% of the population of myxamoebae to become flagellated was independent of the concentration of myxamoebae; hence, the morphogenesis probably follows first-order kinetics. The acquisition of flagella was divisible into 4 stages by means of time-lapse cinephotomicroscopy: an ameboid stage, a stage of morphogenesis, an ameboid-flagellate stage, and a free-swimming flagellate stage. At least 90% of the population developed flagella within 60 min. under optimal conditions. The flagellar apparatus consists of a long and a short flagellum, each arising from a granule in the blepharo-plast. The blepharoplast is connected to the nucleus by a rhizoplast.

Isolation of Ergosterol from Euglena gracilis; Distribution Among Mutant Strains*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Ergosterol was isolated from the non-saponifiable lipids of Euglena. For this, after saponification of the cells, the petroleum-ether extract was chromatographed on deactivated alumina. Development was achieved by pet. ether and 10% (v/v) benzene in pet. ether, and the sterol fraction was subsequently eluted with 10% (v/v) ethyl acetate in pet. ether. This sterol was identified as ergosterol by a) precipitation with digitonin, b) The Liebermann-Burchard reaction, c) co-chromatography with known ergosterol, d) ultraviolet absorption spectrum, e) conversion to the acetate with determination of the melting and mixed melting points and !” infra-red absorption spectrum of the acetate derivative. By these techniques, ergosterol content was measured in the-following strains of Euglena gracilis under various conditions of nutrition and illumination: bacillaris and Z strains, and several albino and pigment mutants derived from them. A. functional chloroplast seems unnecessary for ergosterol synthesis; the ergosterol content of cells (dry weight basis) was constant regardless of strain and growth conditions.

Electron Microscope Observations on Malarial Oocysts (Plasmodium cathemerium)

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Thin sections of Plasmodium, cathemerium obtained 3 to 10 days after ingestion of blood by mosquitoes were examined by electron microscopy. Oocysts are encased in a relatively thick structureless capsule which becomes progressively thinner with advancing age and completely disappears in places at the time of release of the sporozoites. The capsule blends with and in most cases cannot be distinguished from the “elastic” layer of the mosquito stomach. For this reason the capsule is tentatively regarded as a product of the host rather than of the parasite. Capsular material appears to be shed into the interior of the oocyst and may serve as nutrient material in the later stages of development. Oocysts and sporozoites contain mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei with nucleoli at all stages examined. All limiting membranes within the oocyst are feebly developed and no cell boundaries are seen until the sporozoites begin to form. At this stage, the sporozoites acquire very prominent surface membranes which are retained by the mature forms. Sporozoites contain long rods and cylinders of homogeneous material of moderate density. Their functional significance is not understood.

Morphogenesis in Glaucoma chattoni

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The techniques of silver impregnation and of digitonin solubilization have been applied to an investigation of aspects of cortical morphogenesis in Glaucoma chattoni. The typical stages of the formation of new oral areas (stomato-genesis), as well as of other related surface events, are described in detail. Estimates were made of the relative and absolute durations of these stages; these estimates indicate that for animals growing at 25°C. in bacterized culture, stomatogenesis and cell division together occupy about one third of the division cycle. Certain atypical morphogenetic phenomena have been encountered and are briefly described. These include three cases of stomatogenesis along a kinety other than kinety 1, several instances of anterior stomatogenesis leading to replacement of existing oral areas, and numerous cases of spontaneous loss of oral areas. Finally, the process of increase in number of kinetosomes along certain kineties has been submitted to intensive study. It has been found that comparatively little increase takes place during stomatogenesis and cell division; the bulk of kinetosomal increase along the kineties takes place during the first two-thirds of the division cycle. Data relevant to this increase have been analyzed according to the method of Scherbaum & Rasch; this analysis reveals that the probable phases of most rapid kinetosomal increase, along kinety l at least, occur just after division, and just before the beginning of stomatogenesis.

The Influences of Temperature on the Host-Parasite Relationships of Several Species of Snakes Infected with Entamoeba invadens*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Entamoeba invadens was studied in 8 species of snakes at temperatures of 13–14° and 25°C. Infected snakes of all species failed to show any gross pathology at 13°C, although amoebae were isolated from the snakes by culture. At the higher temperature all species showed pathological changes, most severe in Natrix, dekayi and red belly, and progressively less severe in the garter, milk, ribbon, ringneck and green snakes. For the last S species, the pathology in the liver and intestine was so characteristic as to provide an adequate basis for identification of the snake. Snakes infected at the lower temperature and later transferred to 25° showed the same pathological changes as those kept at 25° throughout. The possible effects of behavior patterns of snakes on pathogenicity of the amoebae are pointed out.

Two New Species of Flagellates Cultivated from Insects of the Genus Gerris

Abstract: Two species of trypanosomatid flagellates: Critkidia flexonema from Gerris remigis at Ames, Iowa, and Leptomonas collosoma from Gerris dissortis at St. Paul, Minnesota, were isolated in pure culture and are described as new species. Blastocrithidia gerridis, which differs irorn bath of the new species in possessing an undulating membrane, failed to establish itself in culture.

A Redescription of Cyclidium glaucoma O.F.M., 1786 (Ciliata:Hymenostomatida), with Particular Attention to the Buccal Apparatus*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. An accurate description of Cyclidium glaucoma O.F.M., 1786, is presented. Fixed specimens were treated with the Chatton-Lwoff silver impregnation technique and the standard Feulgen nucleal reaction. Living material was examined by phase microscopy. Components of the infraciliature have been given special attention, particularly in the buccal area. In brief consideration of the systematic status of this species emphasis is placed upon the close relationship of the pleuronematine and tetrahymenine groups of hymenostome ciliates. Comparisons on structures found in C. glaucoma with corresponding structures in species belonging to quite closely related families are made, and the fundamental nature of the infraciliary tetrahymenal buccal apparatus and the polar basal granule-complex is discussed.

Nutrition of Paramecium: A Fatty Acid Requirement

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Paramecia, in a nearly defined axenic medium, require a specific fatty acid and a “protein” factor for growth and survival. The fatty acid requirement was readily satisfied by stearic acid or oleic acid. The saturated acids, arachidic (C20) and one preparation of palmitic (C16), had lower growth activity than did stearic acid. The unsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic (C16Δ9), linoleic (C18Δ9,12), linolenic (C18Δ9,12,15), and arachidonir (C20Δ5,8,11,14) and the saturated fatty acids of C14 through C6. myristic, lauric, capric, caprylic and caproic, were inactive. A few other fatty acid-containing compounds. i.e., esters, were also tested for growth-promoting activity, with concordant results. The “protein” factor has not been completely characterized; a nondialyzable protein-containing fraction from yeast or crystalline ovalbumin provided it. Hydrolysis products of these substances were inactive. A possible role of the ovalbumin as a carrier for fatty acids is discussed.

Electron Microscope Studies on Lophomonas striata with Special Reference to the Nature and Position of the Striations

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The flagella of Lophomonas striata are arranged in circular rows in a tuft-like structure. Each one is continuous with a basal body located in the anterior region of the calyx. Each flagellum is limited by the surface membrane and is composed of nine double peripheral filaments and two central ones. The former continue below the surface and make up a large part of each basal body. Below and parallel to the calyx membrane are two layers of fibrils which appear to connect the basal bodies; the first is just below (250 m/x) the surface, the other is attached to the proximal ends of the basal bodies. Extending from the latter is a delicate network of fibers which gradually disappears from view as it continues in the direction of the nucleus. The calyx membrane appears continuous at the level of the basal bodies; however, below this point it seems to be made up of a series of discrete longitudinally arid obliquely arranged lamina or plates, a condition which permits direct continuity of the cytoplasm within and without the calyx. The body of Lophomonas striata is highly as well as tightly folded in its longitudinal axis and the striations or rods are clearly located on its surface; it is suggested that these are held in place by an agglutination reaction. The rods appear to divide by transverse fission and their fine structure resembles closely that reported for certain bacteria; in fact, because of this, we think they should thus be considered.

Electron Microscope Study of the Exoerythrocytic Form of Plasmodium gallinaceum in Thin Sections of Infected Tissue Cultures

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The exoerythrocytic forms of Plasmodium gallinaceum in thin sections of infected tissue cultures have been examined with the electron microscope. It was seen that important changes occur in the fine structure of the parasite during the various phases of the cycle. The cytoplasm of the merozoites at the beginning and at the end of each cycle shows a great electron density due to a fine granulation. Larger granules are found at one pole of the parasite. The merozoites have a large nucleus in the center, and an oval body of great electron density at one pole, the significance of which is unknown. Short canaliculi can also be seen in the cytoplasm, but no mitochondria have been found. The cytoplasm of the schizonts shows a low electron density. It contains small particles scattered irregularly throughout its whole mass. The nuclei are not well defined; the oval body observed in the merozoites apparently has disappeared. Short canaliculi are present everywhere; however, mitochondria could not be identified with certainty. In the final phase of the cycle, in the rosette formations, the cytoplasm assumes again the fine granular structure. The future merozoites are grouped around a cytoplasmic core, with which they are directly connected. The whole segmenter is situated in a vacuole formation. In cross sections of the merozoites an opening in the central pole has been observed.

Morphogenesis in the Ciliate Bresslaua vorax Kahl and the Phylogeny of the Colpodidae

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Bresslaua vorax is a dimorphic ciliate with micro-stome and macrostome forms. The development of the macro-stome form is associated with pronounced extension of the vestibule and vestibular opening and gross torsion of the ciliate which finally shows little resemblance to the microstome form. These transformations culminate a phylogenetic trend in the Colpodidae which can be followed from the ciliates of relatively simple structure, such as Woodruffia, through Bryophrya, Colpoda and Tillina to Bresslaua. This phylogenetic trend is marked by the increasing importance of stomatogenesis. The morphogenetic pattern of these transformations appears to distinguish the Colpodidae from other trichostomatous ciliates, such as the Plagiopylidae.

Studies of Feeding Behavior of Amebas. I. Ingestion of Thecate Rhizopods and Flagellates by Verrucosid Amebas, particularly Thecamoeba sphacronucleolüs.*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Thecamoeba sphaeronucleolus, and other verrucosid amebas with thick, pellicular ectoplasm, which live in moist soil, can identify the presence of testate rhizopodal prey at distances of 20 to 30 μ, possibly chemotactically or rheotacti-caliy. Prey is seized by extension of a pseudopod towards it, and adhesion of the pellicular pseudopodal tip to the prey upon contact. Ingestion is accomplished by conversion of the pellicular coat of the pseudopod into an ingestive tube via digestion of the pellicular tip and the withdrawal of the endoplasm within, causing suction. The prey is drawn into the tube and enclosed therein; and is then drawn down the pseudopodal tube and into a food cup, which closes around the prey to form a food vacuole. Flagellate prey is identified by its movements nearby, and is seized by adhesion of the extended pseadopod to a flagellum. The flagellum is drawn through a tiny hole digested by the ameba through the pellicle of its psendopod. is seized by and drawn into the granular endoplasm. The body of the flagellate is drawn after it into a food vscuoie in the endoplasm. Suction applied to the flagellum appears to exert the necessary force to draw the flagellate in. The movements involved are related to, but not synonymous with, those of locomotion and appear to be complex biochemical and biophysical interactions not explainable by present theories of protoplasmic movements.

Mode of Action of 3‐Amino‐l,2,4‐Triazole on Photosynthetic Microorganisms*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. 3-Amino-l,2,4-triazole (AT) inhibits the multiplication and pigment synthesis of several photosynthetic pro-tists, Ochromonas danica, 0. malhamensis, Euglena gracilis and Rhodopseudomonas palustris; it also inhibits the catalase activity of beef liver and O. malhamensis. Fe++, Fe+++ or lecithin annul the inhibition by AT of multiplication and pigment synthesis in O. danica. Chelation of iron is suggested as the main action of AT on Odanica,

The Transmission of Lankesterella (= Atoxoplasma) in Birds by the Mite Dermanyssus gallinae

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Using the mite Dermanyssus gallinae as the vector and the canary (Serinus canariu s) as the avian host, the author was able to demonstrate the transmission of the parasite Lankesterella (=Atoxoplasm a) garnhami Lainson, 1959. Mites were taken from infected canaries and fed to clean ones; 3 out of 4 birds became infected. Mites taken from infected sparrows (Passer domesticus domesticu s) were fed to 4 other clean canaries, all of which became infected. Natural transmission of the parasite was achieved when 2 clean canaries were exposed to infestation by mites which had previously fed exclusively on infected sparrows. Six control canaries, obtained from the same source as the experimental birds, were all shown to be uninfected. It is concluded that the parasites in the sparrow and the canary are identical. The specific name of Lankesterella serini Lainson, 1959, for the organism in the canary becomes, therefore, a synonym of L. garnhami Lainson, 1959.

Mass Culture of Euglena gracilis

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. A method is described whereby large amounts of Euglena cells can be obtained efficiently for enzymological studies. A completely defined, low pH medium which offers relative freedom from contamination is usee The cuh re-equipment is also usable for the mass culture of many other unicellular algae.

Volume, Nucleic Acid and Nitrogen Contents of Strains of Green and i Colorless Englena gracilis and of Astasia longa*

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. Nucleic acid, the nitrogen content per cell, and cell and nuclear volume were determined in 4 green and 2 heat-induced colorless strains of Euglena gracilis and one strain of Astasia longa. All strains of Euglena were identical in cell and nuclear volume. The deoxyribonucleic acid content per cell of the apoplastidic strains was higher than that of the corresponding green strains by I1/, times. Although their nuclei were not enlarged, Feulgen staining of the colorless strains was also more intense. The significance of the increase in DNA in experimentally induced apoplastidy is discussed. As for N total nucleic acid P, and pentosenucleic acid—the dir between the strains reflected previously established morphological and physiological relationships between them. The single strain of Astasia studied was identical in stru: and size with the apoplastidic Euglena stnMH Hownner. it was quite unlike them in all the biochemical characteristic; examined.

Identification of Free and Bound Amino Acids in Three Strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis using Paper Chromatography

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. The free and bound amino acids of 3 strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis (variety 6) have been identified by filter paper chromatography. Twenty bound amino acids were qualitatively and quantitatively alike in each strain. The same 17 free amino acids were identified in all 3 strains; however, quantitative variations among the cultures were noted. Strain 002. an F1 progeny clone obtained from a cross between strains EU 6000 and EU 6001, exhibited a combination of parental characteristics. The F1 organisms resembled one parental strain, EU 6000, in the ratio of free arginine to alanine, and the other parental strain, EU 6001, in the ratio of free isoleucine to leucine. The possible genetic significance of these results is noted, and the value of chromatographic analysis as an aid to genetic study is discussed.

Submicroscopical Aspects of Schizotrypanum cruzi in Thin Sections of Tissue Culture Forms.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS. In order to study the blepharoplast-kinetoplast region in the adult form of Schizotrypanum cruzi thin sections of this form, obtained in tissue cultures, have been examined with the electron microscope. It has been seen that the kinetoplast is contained in a large spherical, vacuole-like space, in hich its osmiophilic mass is more dispersed than in the leishmania and crithidia forms, where it is contained in a rectangular, almost linear space. The basal body of the flagellum has been found at the margin of the vacuole, although separated from it. A group of striae in parallel array has been found with regularity in all the trypanosome forms, similar to the structures of the parabasal body in other protozoa, or to the Golgi apparatus of metazoan cells. The significance of this structure for the parasite is discussed.