Abstract
We study the motility behavior of the unicellular protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia in a microfluidic device that can be prepared with a landscape of attracting or repelling chemicals. We investigate the spatial distribution of the positions of the individuals at different time points with methods from spatial statistics and Poisson random point fields. This makes quantitative the informal notion of “uniform distribution” (or lack thereof). Our device is characterized by the absence of large systematic biases due to gravitation and fluid flow. It has the potential to be applied to the study of other aquatic chemosensitive organisms as well. This may result in better diagnostic devices for environmental pollutants.
Highlights
The microfluidic device consists of three parallel sections aligned in the direction of the y-axis, see Figure 1
The first video of total duration of 2 min was taken as a control in a microfluidic device not prepared with either attracting or repelling chemicals
Spatial statistics and random point fields have been successfully applied in many situations, an important source of inspiration being ecological questions [4,5,6]
Summary
F. Muller, 1773) of unicellular eukaryotic organisms from the class of ciliates that live in freshwater environments [1]. 1773) of unicellular eukaryotic organisms from the class of ciliates that live in freshwater environments [1] They are shaped like prolate spheroids of &250mm length. The whole body is covered with cilia, with whose help the organisms can swim forward, backward and turn. A sensory apparatus allows to detect temperature, light, and a variety of attracting and repelling chemical substances. The excitable membrane and the predictable behavioral responses make Paramecium an appropriate model organism [2]
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