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Conjugation in the ciliate Metopus sigmoides C. and L
Author(s) -
Noland Lowell E.
Publication year - 1927
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1050440206
Subject(s) - macronucleus , pronucleus , biology , ciliate , paramecium , micronucleus , cytoplasm , nucleoplasm , zygote , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , micronucleus test , gene , chemistry , organic chemistry , toxicity , nucleolus , embryogenesis
Abstract Conjugating individuals of Metopus sigmoides fuse at the anterior end, the pair presenting the appearance of an inverted letter U. The micronucleus of each conjugant by two successive divisions forms four micronuclei. Three of each four degenerate and the fourth by division forms the pronuclei. Cytoplasm and pronuclei from one conjugant pass over into the other, leaving the old macronucleus and a minimum of cytoplasm behind in the shrunken pellicle of the smaller conjugant, which then separates from the larger one. In the larger exconjugant two pronuclei fuse, forming the functional synkaryon; the two residual pronuclei degenerate and disappear. The synkaryon divides. One of the daughter nuclei condenses into the new micronucleus, the other grows into the new macronucleus. The old macronucleus liquefies and is absorbed. The larger exconjugant, after losing its cilia, secretes a cyst wall about itself and becomes dormant. The whole process requires at least six days for its consummation.