The effect of ultracentrifuging on Paramecium, with special reference to recovery and macronuclear reorganization

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Abstract
Paramecium caudatum becomes much elongated upon centrifuging at 21,000 times gravity. The chromatin is sometimes forced from the achromatic matrix of the macronucleus. The materials in the cell are redistributed according to their relative specific gravities as follows: At the centrifugal end of the cell, crystals, layer of fluid, micronucleus and macronuclear chromatin, food vacuoles and neutral red inclusions, achromatic matrix of the macronucleus, endoplasm with large clear alveoli, and fat, at the centripetal end of the cell. The contracting vacuole is displaced sometimes but not the feeding canals or pore. In some cases the crystals, micronucleus and macronuclear chromatin may be extruded from the cell. Animals which survive centrifuging regain their usual shape and the disturbed materials return to their usual distribution rapidly. Sometimes the crystals remain in large compact masses and are so passed to the daughter cells upon fission. The two components of the macronucleus do not fuse the macronuclear chromatin regenerates an achromatic matrix, and division is somewhat delayed. The old macronuclear matrix persists over a long time and sometimes interferes with division. Animals which have no micronucleus may survive and divide, but no amicronucleate races have been established. Apparently macronuclear chromatin is necessary for the survival and division of P. caudatum; in the absence of the macronuclear chromatin no replacement occurs from the micronucleus. The membrane of the contracting vacuole is temporary.