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Growth and development of cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum treated with DDT
1School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067, India.
Abstract:
The effects of dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) on the growth, phagocytic activity, ultrastructure and developmental stages of a well known species of the cellular slime mould, Dictyostelium discoideum were studied. DDT, at doses of 60 ppm and above, inhibited growth of the vegetative cells and this was also evident from the colony blots which were smaller in size. A dose-dependent inhibition occurred in the phagocytic activity and macromolecular syntheses of DDT-treated cells. The cytomorphology of growing Dictyostelium cells, as revealed under light and electron microscopes, was profoundly affected by DDT treatment. Further, a considerable delay occurred in the various morphogenetic events in the slime mould cells exposed to DDT.
Insights
Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) significantly inhibits Dictyostelium discoideum growth, phagocytosis, and development. This study reveals DDT
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Cellular slime molds like Dictyostelium discoideum are model organisms for studying eukaryotic cell processes.
- Pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), can have unintended effects on non-target organisms.
- Understanding the impact of environmental contaminants on cellular functions is crucial for ecological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of DDT on Dictyostelium discoideum.
- To assess DDT's impact on growth, phagocytic activity, cellular structure, and developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Dictyostelium discoideum to various concentrations of DDT.
- Measurement of cell growth and colony size.
- Assay of phagocytic activity and macromolecular synthesis.
- Microscopic examination (light and electron) of cell morphology.
- Observation of developmental and morphogenetic events.
Main Results:
- DDT inhibited vegetative cell growth and reduced colony size at doses of 60 ppm and higher.
- A dose-dependent inhibition of phagocytic activity and macromolecular synthesis was observed.
- DDT treatment profoundly altered cell morphology.
- Significant delays in morphogenetic events were noted in DDT-exposed cells.
Conclusions:
- DDT adversely affects multiple cellular processes in Dictyostelium discoideum, including growth, phagocytosis, and development.
- The study highlights the potential ecotoxicological risks of DDT to soil microorganisms.
- DDT disrupts normal cellular structure and developmental timing in this model organism.
