The adaptive acid phosphatase of Tetrahymena pyriformis GL-9. Effect of endocytosis of various nutrients.

Abstract

An adaptive increase in the cellular acid phosphatase activity ofTetrahymena pyriformis GL-9 was produced in response to ingestion of particulate materials such as yeast cells, bacteria or puff-ball spores. The particulate component of disrupted yeast cells also produced the response, whereas it was not initiated by the soluble cellular components of yeast. Macromolecules such as glycogen and ribonucleic acid evoked the response, whereas glucose, casein hydrolysate, albumin and latex particles failed to do so. It is suggested that this lysosomal enzyme increase is related to the quality of the material ingested and not to its particulate nature or to the endocytic uptake process itself; although a joint effect of endocytosis (apart from physically taking in the material) and quality of material cannot be excluded. The results also indicate that there is a relationship between ingestion of certain materials and cell division, even when taking place in a soluble growth medium which is entirely adequate nutritionally.