RESPONSE TO LIGHT-SHADE DIFFERENCE IN ANUCLEATE AND POLYNUCLEATE SPECIMENS OF AMEBA PROTEUS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 17  (2) , 343-353
Abstract
Enucleated specimens of A. proteus, anucleate fragments, and polynucleate individuals, capable of cortical contraction but not of locomotion, may be reactivated by the light-shade difference established across their body. Individual cells or fragments migrate toward the shade. The motor polarity and coordinated movement disappear immediately after cessation of the stimulus. Results are interpreted according to the earlier hypothesis that the nucleus is necessary to maintain the motor polarity of amoebae. The anucleate and polynucleate specimens seem incapable of coordinated movements when unstimulated, because of a deficiency or an excess, respectively, of the regulatory relaxing factor secreted by the nucleus of A. proteus.

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