Electrochemical system for the simultaneous monitoring of algal motility and phototaxis.
A compact electrochemical system equipped with dual electrodes was developed for the simultaneous monitoring of motility and phototaxis of flagellates. Photoinduced behavior of unicellular flagellate alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the presence of diltiazem, azide, or ethanol was recorded as changes in the redox currents for a coexisiting redox marker. The system responded to the chemicals in significantly different ways; it allows qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of influences of chemical species on the algal cells. Therefore, the present system is potentially applicable to not only aquatic risk assessment but also screening of newly found and synthesized compounds in terms of hazard probability and severity. Additionally, it unveiled some new and interesting behaviors of the algae.
Shitanda
Isao
I
Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
Tatsuma
Tetsu
T
D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002465:Cell Movement; D016825:Chlamydomonas reinhardtii / Q000502:physiology*; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005407:Flagella / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction