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Gravitaxis and graviperception in flagellates.

D-P Hader1, M Lebert, P Richter

  • 1Institut fur Botanik und Pharmazeutische Biologie der Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat, Erlangen, Germany. dphaeder@biologie.uni-erlangen.de

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|December 23, 2003
PubMed
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Gravitaxis in flagellates is mediated by a physiological gravireceptor, not passive alignment. Calcium ion channels activated by cytoplasmic pressure are key to this cellular orientation mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Gravitational Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Gravitaxis, or orientation in response to gravity, is crucial for microorganisms.
  • Previous theories suggested passive cell alignment, but active mechanisms are increasingly evident.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying gravitaxis in flagellates.
  • To identify the specific cellular components involved in gravity perception.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized slow-rotating centrifuges (0.12 x g) and parabolic rocket flights (TEXUS) during space missions (IML-2).
  • Investigated the role of calcium ion channels using inhibitors like gadolinium and ionophore A23187.
  • Employed PCR to identify mechanosensitive channel genes in Euglena.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Visualized intracellular calcium changes using Calcium Crimson fluorophore and laser imaging.

    • Main Results:

    • Gravitaxis threshold determined to be 0.12 x g.
    • No adaptation to microgravity observed during spaceflight; gravitaxis lost in a long-term terrestrial system.
    • Sedimenting statoliths ruled out; cytoplasmic pressure activating stretch-sensitive calcium channels identified as the mechanism.
    • Gadolinium, A23187, and vanadate abolished gravitaxis, confirming calcium's role.
    • Mechanosensitive channel gene identified in Euglena.
    • Increased intracellular calcium observed during reorientation, confirmed in parabolic flights.

    Conclusions:

    • Gravitaxis in flagellates is an active physiological process mediated by mechanosensitive calcium channels.
    • Cellular pressure on the membrane, leading to calcium influx, triggers reorientation.
    • These findings have implications for understanding cellular responses to gravity and potential applications in life support systems.