Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

In Situ Chemotaxis Assay to Examine Microbial Behavior in Aquatic Ecosystems
Published on: May 5, 2020
Zoospore chemotaxis of mangrove thraustochytrids from Hong Kong
K W Fan1, L L P Vrijmoed, E B G Jones
1Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Zoospores of mangrove isolates of Schizochytrium mangrovei KF6, KF7, KF12 (three strains), Thraustochytrium striatum KF9 and Ulkenia sp. KF13 were examined for their chemotactic responses to amino acids, carbohydrates, ethanol, and leaf extracts using a capillary root model. Most leaf extracts of mangrove plants and a marsh grass tested were shown to induce moderate chemotactic responses in zoospores of both S. mangrovei KF6 and Ulkenia sp. KF13. Of the remaining amino acids and carbohydrates evaluated, glutamic acid and pectin induced strong attraction in zoospores of S. mangrovei KF6 and Ulkenia sp. KF13, suggesting these are the major components in leaves which may be responsible for the chemotactic response of thraustochytrid zoospores in nature. Zoospores of T. striatum KF9, in general, showed a weak chemotactic response to all the tested compounds and extracts except cellulose, which elicited a moderate response. The ecological significance of the data presented is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotaxis in E. coli
Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Other Unique Bacteria
Diversity of Protists IV
Microbial Mats

