Abstract

The treatment of isolated protoplasmic strands of Physarum polycephalum with 2.5% ethanol in a physiological salt solution under isometric conditions induces the formation of a large amount of mostly longitudinally organized actomyosin fibrils in the endoplasmic channel, a region normally free of actomyosin fibrils. The quantity of fibrillogenesis as well as the concomitant force output during the induced contractures are dependent on the Ca++-content and the temperature of the test solution. The method was developed to optimize the structure of the plasmodial strands before their subsequent transformation into cell-free models by permeabilization and extraction of the strands. Cryosections of plasmodial strands containing cytoplasmic actomyosin fibrils stained with fluorescently labeled phallotoxins offer a further assay for the study of their contraction physiology under cell-free conditions.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.