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Signalling in cell growth and death: adequate nutrition alone may not be sufficient for ciliates
Author(s) -
Wheatley Denys N.,
Christensen Søren T.,
Schousboe Peter,
Rasmussen Leif
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
cell biology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1095-8355
pISSN - 1065-6995
DOI - 10.1006/cbir.1993.1143
Subject(s) - tetrahymena , autocrine signalling , exponential growth , microbiology and biotechnology , cell growth , biology , cell , chemistry , cell culture , biochemistry , genetics , mathematics , mathematical analysis
Abstract The initial inoculum level of Tetrahymena in a chemically defined medium determines whether the cells are capable of exponential growth. Below 750 cells ml −1 , the cells fail to go into exponential growth and will die within about 20 hours. By adding certain growth stimulants, death can be postponed and the cells begin to grow after a delay which depends on the intensity of the signal. The implication is that autocrine growth factor expression might be required for cells to grow, and that these stimulants either assist its production or lower the cell threshold to its action. The findings in Tetrahymena are reviewed, and the advantages of having a cell system in which all the components of the medium can be carefully controlled is recognised.