The Binary Fission of Lacrymaria olor (O.F.M., 1786).

Abstract

SUMMARY. Observations on binary fission of Lacrymaria olor show that it is a transverse fission. It involves probable intranuclear division of the micronucleus. Both micro‐ and macronucleus elongate in preliminary stages. Each is ultimately divided as cytoplasmic constriction cuts the spindle fibers of the former, and the connecting, nucleoplasmic thread of the latter.Surging movements of cytoplasm after fission elongate the daughter organisms and move new nuclei to normal, central sites. The anterior proboscis of the posterior daughter regenerates suddenly, complete with coronal cilia. Metachronal waves along ciliary meridians, strongly reversed on the posterior daughter, cause an oscillating movement which pulls the two apart, except for a slender, pellicular thread, ultimately severed. Until broken, this thread connects the rear tip of the anterior animal to the forward end of the proboscis of the posterior one. The organism is semi‐quiescent, with proboscis retracted (except spasmodically) throughout fission. After fission the anterior animal quickly begins feeding movements and soon swims away. The posterior animal requires about half an hour before being able to begin feeding and swimming movements.The anterior contractile vacuole of the original animal becomes the primarily active vacuole of the anterior daughter; the posterior one that of the posterior daughter. Missing vacuoles are regenerated by the daughters in about one hour after fission. The division process requires about one hour for completion at 22.4°C.