Chlamydomonas moewusii Pairing: Optimal Conditions and Drug Effects

Abstract

The effect of various mating conditions on the pairing percentages in Chlamydomonas moewusii were determined. A pairing percentage of 43% was obtained when gametes induced at 21°c were shifted to a mating temperature of 19°c for 1 hour. The lowest pairing percentage was obtained when cells were induced at 30°c and shifted to 19°c for 1 hour. The anti-microtubule agent colchicine and the anti-microfilament agent cytochalasin B were employed to determine their effect on pairing in C. moewusii. Both drugs demonstrated an inhibitory effect on pairing in Chlamydomonas. The inhibition of gametic pairing in cells treated with colchicine was greater than those gametes treated with cytochalasin B. Low temperature is known to disrupt microtubules. Gametes exposed to 4°c exhibited a dramatic decrease in pairing percentages. These results seem to suggest an interacting relationship between microtubules and microfilaments that play a crucial role in the pairing of Chlamydomonas moewusii gametes.