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First published online July 26, 2004
Journal of Experimental Biology 207, 3055-3066 (2004)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2004
doi: 10.1242/jeb.01141
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Functional roles of the transverse and longitudinal flagella in the swimming motility of Prorocentrum minimum (Dinophyceae)

Iku Miyasaka*, Kenji Nanba, Ken Furuya, Yoshihachiro Nimura and Akira Azuma

Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan

* Author for correspondence (e-mail: miyasaka{at}aujaghi.fs.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

Accepted 14 June 2004

Equations describing the motion of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum, which has both a longitudinal and a transverse flagellum, were formulated and examined using numerical calculations based on hydrodynamic resistive force theory. The calculations revealed that each flagellum has its own function in cell locomotion. The transverse flagellum works as a propelling device that provides the main driving force or thrust to move the cell along the longitudinal axis of its helical swimming path. The longitudinal flagellum works as a rudder, giving a lateral force to the cell in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the helix. Combining these functions results a helical swimming motion similar to the observed motion. Flagellar hairs present on the transverse flagellum are necessary to make the calculated cell motion agree with the observed cell motion.

Key words: Prorocentrum minimum, flagella, hydrodynamic resistive force theory, swimming, dinoflagellate


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© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2004