Conjugation in Oxytricha bifaria: Cell interaction

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Abstract
As a model of cell interaction, the mating process of Oxytricha bifaria has been investigated. Mating involves several distinct and stereotyped stages, each lasting a determined time, and ending with the formation of firmly united pairs. A “waiting period” intervenes between the mixture of complementary mating types and the onset of cell interaction. A proper starvation shortens the waiting period (25 min vs 120 min). Treatment of properly starved cells with heterologous cell‐free fluid further reduces the waiting period. Certain enzyme treatments (pronase, trypsin and lipase) dramatically increase the waiting period in both washed enzymetreated cells and in unwashed cells. Trypsin inhibits the first two stages of the mating process, while lipase inhibits membrane fusion between mates.