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Quantitative Immunofluorescence Assay to Measure the Variation in Protein Levels at Centrosomes
Published on: December 20, 2014
Cellular infrared detector appears to be contained in the centrosome
1Department of Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Cells detect infrared light direction using a mechanism located at the cell center, likely involving the centrosome and centrioles. This infrared sensing capability is independent of the nucleus and Golgi apparatus.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Photobiology
Background:
- Previous studies showed 3T3 cells extending pseudopodia towards infrared-irradiated latex particles.
- Cellular response was dependent on infrared beam direction relative to the cell.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular location of infrared light detection.
- To identify the cellular component responsible for sensing infrared signal direction.
Main Methods:
- Irradiating latex particles with infrared light (700-900 nm) to attract cells.
- Simultaneously irradiating the cell center or other cellular regions with a second infrared beam.
- Observing cellular pseudopodia extension in response to particle location.
- Testing enucleated cells and cells with vesiculated Golgi apparatus.
Main Results:
- Cellular response to infrared-irradiated particles was inhibited when the cell center was simultaneously irradiated.
- Normal cellular responses were observed when other parts of the cell body were irradiated.
- Infrared sensing remained functional in enucleated cells and cells with inhibited Golgi functions.
Conclusions:
- The cellular mechanism for infrared detection is localized at the cell center.
- The centrosome, containing centrioles, is proposed as the primary infrared detection device.
- Centrioles may function as cellular sensors for directional infrared signals.
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