MATING TYPES IN TETRAHYMENA

Abstract
Conjugating strains representing 3 different mating types of Tetrahymena pyriformis were isolated from fresh water ponds in the Woods Hole, Mass. area and established in axenic cultures. They have the same amino acid and vit. requirements as T. pyriformis E. There are no morphological differences between them, and the cytological details of conjugation resemble those of Paramecium. Mating is easily obtained by washing in distilled water. Exconjugant clones (F1 and successive generations) were established. Factors such as nutritive state, temp., oxygenation, agitation, culture age, and sexual maturity influence the mating reaction.