Gravity Effects on Paramecium Cells: An Analysis of a Possible Sensory Function of Trichocysts Exocytosis

Abstract

The structure and mechanisms involved in gravity perception and reaction are generally not known in animal cells. To study the role of trychocysts in graviperception of Paramecium we analyzed strains with a different set-up of trichocysts for their gravitactic behavior. However, all strains investigated showed negative gravitaxis which was demonstrated by their capability to perform bioconvection and by the analysis of their swimming paths examined by computer analysis in a horizontal microscope. Therefore, any role of trichocysts in graviperception can be denied and other possible gravi-receptors might be discussed. Finally is shown that simulated weightlessness has no effect on exocytosis performance which is one of the basal capabilities of cells.