scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF STRYCHNINE AND LIGHT ON PIGMENTATION IN BLEPHARISMA UNDULANS STEIN

1966 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Ciliate Protozoan ◽  
Pigment Granules

The effect of strychnine sulfate and light on pigmentation in the ciliate protozoan Blepharisma undulans has been determined. Upon exposure of cells to strychnine, the pigment granules become loosened from their surrounding membranes. Eventually these membranes break and the granules are simultaneously released from the cell. At the cell surface, a fusion occurs between adjacent membraneless granules with the incorporation of membrane fragments. This fusion of granules and membrane fragments results in the formation of a pigmented "capsule" around the organism. After elimination of the pigment, the granule membranes remaining in the cytoplasm fuse to form apparently empty vesicles. Other cell organelles are generally undisturbed. A similar situation occurs upon exposure of cells to artificial light for 12 to 18 hr, however, the slow elimination of granules from the cells under these conditions does not result in the formation of a pigmented "capsule." The possible mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.

Altered labelling of the cell surface and intracellular organelles with [3H]mannose in enucleated amoebae

1984 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-94
Author(s):  
C.J. Flickinger
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Golgi Apparatus ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Transport ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Intracellular Organelles ◽  
And Control ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Heavy Labelling

The production, transport, and disposition of material labelled with [3H]mannose were studied in microsurgically enucleated and control amoebae. Cells were injected with the precursor and samples were prepared for electron-microscope radioautography at intervals, up to 24 h later. Control cells showed heavy labelling of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus at early intervals after injection. Later, labelling of groups of small vesicles increased, and the percentage of grains over the cell surface peaked 12 h after administration of the precursor. Two major changes were detected in enucleate amoebae. First, the kinetics of labelling of cell organelles with [3H]mannose were altered in the absence of the nucleus. The Golgi apparatus and cell surface both displayed maximal labelling at later intervals in enucleates, and the percentage of grains over the rough endoplasmic reticulum varied less with time in enucleated than in control cells. Second, the distribution of radioactivity was altered. A greater percentage of grains was associated with lysosomes in enucleates than in control cells. The change in the kinetics of labelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and cell surface indicates that intracellular transport of surface material was slower in the absence of the nucleus. It is suggested that this is related to the decreased motility of enucleate cells.

scholarly journals Filopodelike projections induced with dimethyl sulfoxide and their relevance to cellular polarity in Dictyostelium.

1983 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 857-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Yumura ◽  
Y Fukui
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfoxide ◽  
Cell Polarity ◽  
Cytoplasmic Streaming ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Cellular Polarity ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Thin Sections

When 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was applied to Dictyostelium cells, the cells rounded up in shape and cytoplasmic streaming ceased. The cells resumed both cytoplasmic streaming and locomotion in 20 min. SDS PAGE of isolated plasma membrane fractions showed that actin and myosin apparently became dissociated from the plasma membrane by the action of DMSO. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that many filopodelike projections formed on the surface of cells treated with 5% DMSO for 5 min. Interestingly, the projections were formed on a restricted portion of the cell surface. The phagokinetic track technique of Albrecht-Buehler (1977, Cell, 11: 395-404) showed that the projection region corresponded to the anterior part of a migrating cell. The possible relationship between the DMSO-induced projection region on the cell surface and intracellular organization of cell organelles was investigated using serial thin sections. The DMSO-induced projections contained arrays of microfilaments; and the microtubule organizing center (MTOC), nucleus, and vesicular structure were usually located in this order from the anterior end of the cell. The indirect immunofluorescent study using monoclonal anti-alpha-tubulin antibody was performed with a new fixation technique, which greatly improved the phase as well as immunofluorescent microscopy. It was verified that the intracellular positioning of the MTOC and nucleus had significant correlation with the cell polarity. The results show that DMSO is a powerful tool with which to manipulate the cellular microfilaments and to make visible the differentiation in the cortex layer, which apparently is relevant to the intracellular positioning of cell organelles and cell polarity.

Fine structure of ocelli of the larval black fly Simulium vittatum (Diptera: Simuliidae)

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce M. Nyhof ◽  
Susan B. McIver
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Polarized Light ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Golgi Bodies ◽  
Simulium Vittatum ◽  
Pigment Granules ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Numerous Cell ◽  
Retinular Cells

The fine structure of light- and dark-adapted ocelli of last instar larval Simulium vittatum Zetterstedt was described using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Larvae have six ocelli arranged in groups of three on each side of the head. The larger two ocelli of each group are externally visible as two darkly pigmented eyespots. The third, smaller ocellus lacks pigmentation and, therefore, is not externally visible. Each ocellus has its long axis oriented dorso-ventrally, has 13 retinular cells, and lacks an expanded cuticular lens. Conspicuous rhabdoms occur in the three ocelli. The rhabdoms of the pigmented ocelli are centrally located and enveloped by pigment granules. The microvilli of the rhabdoms are oriented primarily in one plane, an indication of a possible sensitivity to polarized light. The rhabdom of the unpigmented ocellus is eccentrically located and its microvilli are not uniplanar. Each ocellus has numerous cell organelles, including mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi bodies. Especially conspicuous are membranous figures, which are associated with the nuclei and vary in size and complexity from simple stacks to lamellar whorls. These latter organelles are probably involved in the turnover processes of the rhabdomeric membranes. In light- and dark-adapted ocelli the only structural differences were associated with the microvilli and multivesicular bodies. Differences in location of pigment granules and in size of rhabdomeres and membranous figures were not observed.

Photoemissive markers for cell surface labeling in photoelectron microscopy

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 510-511
Author(s):  
O. Hayes Griffith ◽  
G. Bruce Birrell
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Yield ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Ultraviolet Light ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Electron Gun ◽  
Cell Surfaces ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Electron Quantum ◽  
Derivatives Of ◽  
Photoemission Electron

Developing markers or labels to correlate the observed structure with biological function is important in any microscopic technique. Photoelectron microscopy (photoemission electron microscopy or PEM) has developed to the point where good images of cell surfaces, cell organelles and viruses have been obtained. Therefore it is now appropriate to begin a study of markers that can be used to locate specific sites on cell surfaces in the photoelectron images. The experimental approach is illustrated in Fig. 1. The specimen is placed on the substrate, evacuated, and subjected to ultraviolet light. Unlike TEM or SEM there is no electron gun; the specimen itself is the source of electrons. The ultraviolet light induces some photoionization of electrons from all cell surface components but generally with a low quantum yield. Ideally, the marker (M in Fig. 1) has a very much higher electron quantum yield resulting in bright objects easily seen against the background of the cell surface. The ideal PEM marker would be 1) very photoemissive, 2) small in size, 3) stable and 4) readily coupled to a sitespecific ligand by covalent bonding or high affinity adsorption. Among the possibilities being considered as PEM markers are fluorescent dyes, derivatives of porphyrins and phthalocyanines, viruses, metal colloids, peroxidase/diaminobenzidine reaction deposits and cesium.

Ultrastructure of Giant Mitochondria and Their Inclusions in Schwann Cells of Bovine Splenic Nerve

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 194-195
Author(s):  
Å. Thureson-Klein
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Giant Mitochondria ◽  
Matrix Density ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Unmyelinated Axons ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
Structural Abnormalities ◽  
Cytotoxic Compounds ◽  
Cell Components

Giant mitochondria of various shapes and with different internal structures and matrix density have been observed in a great number of tissues including nerves. In most instances, the presence of giant mitochondria has been associated with a known disease or with abnormal physiological conditions such as anoxia or exposure to cytotoxic compounds. In these cases degenerative changes occurred in other cell organelles and, therefore the giant mitochondria also were believed to be induced structural abnormalities.Schwann cells ensheating unmyelinated axons of bovine splenic nerve regularly contain giant mitochondria in addition to the conventional smaller type (Fig. 1). These nerves come from healthy inspected animals presumed not to have been exposed to noxious agents. As there are no drastic changes in the small mitochondria and because other cell components also appear reasonably well preserved, it is believed that the giant mitochondria are normally present jin vivo and have not formed as a post-mortem artifact.

Influence of Calcium Ions on the Plant Cell Surface: Membrane Fusions and Conformational Changes

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 154-155
Author(s):  
D. James Morré ◽  
Charles E. Bracker ◽  
William J. VanDerWoude
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Calcium Ions ◽  
Surface Membrane ◽  
Carboxyl Groups ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Ultrastructural Evidence ◽  
Glycine Max L ◽  
Wall Extensibility

Calcium ions in the concentration range 5-100 mM inhibit auxin-induced cell elongation and wall extensibility of plant stems. Inhibition of wall extensibility requires that the tissue be living; growth inhibition cannot be explained on the basis of cross-linking of carboxyl groups of cell wall uronides by calcium ions. In this study, ultrastructural evidence was sought for an interaction of calcium ions with some component other than the wall at the cell surface of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) hypocotyls.

Morphological Changes in the Rat Granulosa Cell Surface During Differentiation Induced by Estradiol and Gonadotropins

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 484-485
Author(s):  
P. Bagavandoss ◽  
JoAnne S. Richards ◽  
A. Rees Midgley
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Granulosa Cell ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2

During follicular development in the mammalian ovary, several functional changes occur in the granulosa cells in response to steroid hormones and gonadotropins (1,2). In particular, marked changes in the content of membrane-associated receptors for the gonadotropins have been observed (1).We report here scanning electron microscope observations of morphological changes that occur on the granulosa cell surface in response to the administration of estradiol, human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).Immature female rats that were hypophysectcmized on day 24 of age were treated in the following manner. Group 1: control groups were injected once a day with 0.1 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 3 days; group 2: estradiol (1.5 mg/0.2 ml propylene glycol) once a day for 3 days; group 3: estradiol for 3 days followed by 2 days of hFSH (1 μg/0.1 ml) twice daily, group 4: same as in group 3; group 5: same as in group 3 with a final injection of hCG (5 IU/0.1 ml) on the fifth day.

Surface Structure of Nucleated Animal Cells: Carbon Replicas

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 120-121
Author(s):  
Robert M. Glaeser ◽  
Thea B. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Surface Structure ◽  
Particle Diameter ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Replica Technique ◽  
Carbon Replica ◽  
Characteristic Particle ◽  
Cell Surface Structure ◽  
Carbon Replicas

The carbon-replica technique can be used to obtain information about cell-surface structure that cannot ordinarily be obtained by thin-section techniques. Mammalian erythrocytes have been studied by the replica technique and they appear to be characterized by a pebbly or “plaqued“ surface texture. The characteristic “particle” diameter is about 200 Å to 400 Å. We have now extended our observations on cell-surface structure to chicken and frog erythrocytes, which possess a broad range of cellular functions, and to normal rat lymphocytes and mouse ascites tumor cells, which are capable of cell division. In these experiments fresh cells were washed in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium Salt Solution (for suspension cultures) and one volume of a 10% cell suspension was added to one volume of 2% OsO4 or 5% gluteraldehyde in 0.067 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.3. Carbon replicas were obtained by a technique similar to that employed by Glaeser et al. Figure 1 shows an electron micrograph of a carbon replica made from a chicken erythrocyte, and Figure 2 shows an enlarged portion of the same cell.

Infection of Escherichia coli with bacteriophages

1969 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 370-371
Author(s):  
Manfred E. Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Adsorption Site ◽  
The Other ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Bacterial Receptors

The first step in the infection of a bacterium by a virus consists of a collision between cell and bacteriophage. The presence of virus-specific receptors on the cell surface will trigger a number of events leading eventually to release of the phage nucleic acid. The execution of the various "steps" in the infection process varies from one virus-type to the other, depending on the anatomy of the virus. Small viruses like ØX 174 and MS2 adsorb directly with their capsid to the bacterial receptors, while other phages possess attachment organelles of varying complexity. In bacteriophages T3 (Fig. 1) and T7 the small conical processes of their heads point toward the adsorption site; a welldefined baseplate is attached to the head of P22; heads without baseplates are not infective.

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