Ultrasonic and spectroscopic studies on photoactivation of euglena

Abstract

We studied the effect of the irradiation wavelength on the activity of photosynthetic euglena. The ultrasonic manipulation technique was used for both the activity evaluation and the movement restriction in the spectral measurements. Euglenas that had been preserved in darkness became inactive, and accordingly most of them were trapped by the ultrasonic standing wave (0.8mW∕mm2). However, when they were exposed to light of 500 or 700nm wavelength (0.13W∕m2), they became active enough to escape from the trapping. By contrast, irradiation at 550, 600, or 650nm wavelength had no effect on their activity. Spectroscopic measurements, which used to be difficult for locomotive microorganisms, were conducted successfully by trapping euglena at a node of the ultrasonic standing wave. The absorption bands were observed at around 500 or 700nm, which corresponded to the irradiation wavelengths that activated euglena.