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Journal of Experimental Biology 85,21-31 (1980)
Published by Company of Biologists 1980

Oscillating Contractions in Protoplasmic Strands of Physarum : Mechanical and Thermal Methods of Phase Shifting for Studying the Nature of the Synchronizing Factor and its Transmission

U. ACHENBACH ¹ and K. E. WOHLFARTH-BOTTERMANN ¹

¹ Institut für Cytologie der Universität, 5300 Bonn 1, Ulrich-Haberland-Str. 61 a, Federal Republic of Germany

A new experimental investigation chamber was used to analyse the control of rhythmic contractile activity in Physarum. A strand was mounted in such a way that isometric tension measurements of contraction forces could be made on two regions independently, the two regions remaining connected. It was possible to disturb one region experimentally and to compare its behaviour with the other.

A short time after being set up in the apparatus, the isometric contraction cycles in the two regions became synchronous. Stretching one region by 50% of its original length induced a phase delay relative to the other. A brief unilateral cold shock (t = 5–15 °C) had a similar phase-retarding effect. Synchrony was subsequently reattained, unless the connecting region was cut or, for example, treated with 30 mM benzamide.

In approximately 25% of the investigated strands, a rapid change to a higher temperature (t = 2–5 °C) caused the warmed side to be phase-advanced. However, 75% of the strands did not show a phase shift, suggesting that a rapid phase regulation is supported by increased temperature.

The described experimental assay is suitable for analysing the pathway and the nature of signal transmission in plasmodial strands.

Note:
Partly presented at the International Titisee-Conference on Cellular Oscillators, 22–24 March 1979 (see J. exp. Biol. (1979)).