title: Developmental and genetic effects of alcian blue in conjugating Tetrahymena thermophila: doublet formation and macronuclear retention.
abstract: Genetic, kinetical and cortical effects of treatment with the inducer of mucocyst release, alcian blue (AB), on conjugating pairs of Tetrahymena thermophila are reported. AB induces the formation of doublet cells from pairs, and the majority of them are homopolar doublets. We present a model in order to explain the origin of these cells. Macronuclear retention (MR) is the most important genetic effect observed. Two kinds of MR can be obtained: prezygotic-MR (uniparental micronucleus) and postzygotic-MR (cross-fertilized micronucleus). Within the first group, both homokaryon and heterokaryon cells are obtained. From some abnormal conjugational configurations and the results of conjugational kinetic analysis we propose an explanation for the origin of MR cells induced by AB. Genetic effects obtained after AB treatment at different conjugational times are independent of the cortical ones. The utility of these different effects in genetical and physiological studies is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000423:Alcian Blue / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003227:Conjugation, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D005838:Genotype; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010641:Phenotype; D013768:Tetrahymena / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D007211:Indoles; D000423:Alcian Blue