DNA measurements and ploidy determination of different stages in the life cycle of Sarcocystis muris.
The DNA contents of different stages within the life cycle of Sarcocystis muris were measured cytophotometrically using DNA-specific Feulgen staining. Stages of gamogony were obtained by the transfer of isolated cyst merozoites into cat kidney-cell cultures. For calculation of absolute DNA contents, the amounts of DNA in the parasites were compared with those in chicken erythrocytes, which are known. The measurements revealed that all investigated stages of S. muris contained haploid DNA except the early zygotes, which were diploid. The further development of the zygotes started with a nuclear division, resulting in two daughter nuclei that again revealed haploid DNA values. The results confirm the existence of zygotic meiosis; thus, a haplo-homophasic life cycle is proposed for the Sarcosporidia.
Lehrstuhl für Spezielle Zoologie und Parasitologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Federal Republic of Germany.
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Mackenstedt
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D
Wagner
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Heydorn
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H
Mehlhorn
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004396:Coloring Agents; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis*; D005306:Fertilization; D008540:Meiosis; D011003:Ploidies; D011336:Probability; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D012522:Sarcocystis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D004396:Coloring Agents; D016054:DNA, Protozoan; C007722:Feulgen stain; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes