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Journal of Experimental Biology 47,433-446 (1967)
Published by Company of Biologists 1967

Bioelectric Regulation of Tentacle Movement in a Dinoflagellate

ROGER ECKERT ¹ and TAKAO SIBAOKA ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, and Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

1. Recurring extensions and flexions of the food-gathering tentacle of Noctiluca miliaris occur spontaneously. Identical movements can be evoked by appropriate electrical stimulation.

2. Spontaneous recurring potential wave forms (TRPs) were recorded from the vacuole of the luminescent form of Noctiluca during movements of the tentacle. The basic TRP wave form consists of a characteristic negative-going spike which arises at -20 to -30 mV. from the slowly redeveloping negativity of a pre-spike depolarization, and is followed by a quasi-stable post-spike d.c. level of relative vacuolar negativity (-45 to -60 mV.).

3. The TRP complex, similar in shape to that which occurs spontaneously, follows an intracellularly applied current pulse of either polarity if the vacuolar potential is at the post-spike level. The duration of the evoked pre-spike wave is related to the current intensity and duration. During the pre-spike state outward current is ineffective, although a TR spike occurs in response to inward current.

4. The TRP is distinct in its behaviour and wave form from the flash-triggering potential, which can be evoked in the same cell, even though both exhibit all-or-none spikes.

5. Simultaneous recordings of intracellular potentials and movements of the tentacle showed a consistent temporal relationship between potential changes and subsequent movement. Extension of the tentacle begins 1-2 sec. after the spike and flexion begins within 1 sec. after beginning of the pre-spike wave.

6. Tentacle movement ceased in Ca-free sea water even though the cyclic potential changes continued normally.

7. Electron micrographs of the tentacle showed longitudinal aggregations of microtubules near the outer surface of the peripheral cytoplasm. It is proposed that contraction of these microtubules is the immediate cause of tentacle movements.

Note:

On leave of absence from Biological Institute, Faculty of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.