ABSTRACT

Oscillation is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic flagellar movement. The mechanism involves the control of dynein-driven microtubule sliding under self-regulatory mechanical feedback within the axoneme. To define the essential factors determining the induction of oscillation, we developed a novel experiment by applying mechanical deformation of demembranated, immotile sea urchin sperm flagella at very low ATP concentrations, below the threshold of ATP required for spontaneous beating. Upon application of mechanical deformation at above 1.5 µmol l⁻¹ ATP, a pair of bends could be induced and was accompanied by bend growth and propagation, followed by switching the bending direction. For an oscillatory, cyclical bending response to occur, the velocity of bend propagation towards the flagellar tip must be kept above certain levels. Continuous formation of new bends at the flagellar base was coupled with synchronized decay of the preceding paired bends. Induction of cyclical bends was initiated in a constant direction relative to the axis of the flagellar 9+2 structure, and resulted in the so-called principal bend. In addition, stoppage of the bending response occasionally occurred during development of a new principal bend, and in this situation, formation of a new reverse bend did not occur. This observation indicates that the reverse bend is always active, opposing the principal bend. The results show that mechanical strain of bending is a central component regulating the bend oscillation, and switching of the bend direction appears to be controlled, in part, by the velocity of wave propagation.