The influence of hypergravity on the Paramecium bursaria-Chlorella sp. symbiotic association. 2009

Tomasz Bator, and Ryszard Pado
Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054 Kraków, Poland. tbator@ap.krakow.pl

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of strong hypergravity on the Paramecium bursaria-Chlorella sp. symbiotic association, which is considered to be a model example of symbiosis between a heterotroph and an autotroph. The paramecia cells were exposed to 1073 x g, 4293 x g, and 9658 x g hypergravity for 15 min. Then they were incubated for 21 d on a standard lettuce medium. The experiments were conducted in parallel under constant white light and in the dark. The changes in the number of paramecia cells during incubation were determined. Measurements of the number of Chlorella sp. endosymbionts inside host cells were also made. The results showed that a 15-min exposure to hypergravity attenuates the subsequent growth of Paramecium bursaria in the dark, but it may stimulate the growth of paramecia under constant light. Moreover, it causes an increase in the number of algae inside the paramecia cells. Presumably, the influence of hypergravity on the studied symbiotic complex is connected with its effect on the endosymbiotic Chlorella sp. cells. This subject requires further research, focused on the influence of hypergravity on the physiology and growth of the Chlorella sp. endosymbionts living inside the Paramecium bursaria cells.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010247 Paramecium A genus of ciliate protozoa that is often large enough to be seen by the naked eye. Paramecia are commonly used in genetic, cytological, and other research. Parameciums
D002708 Chlorella Nonmotile unicellular green algae potentially valuable as a source of high-grade protein and B-complex vitamins. Chlorellas
D013559 Symbiosis The relationship between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other or a relationship between different species where both of the organisms in question benefit from the presence of the other. Endosymbiosis,Commensalism,Mutualism
D018471 Hypergravity Condition wherein the force of gravity is greater than or is increased above that on the surface of the earth. This is expressed as being greater than 1 g. High Gravity,Increased Gravity,Gravity, High,Gravity, Increased

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