Regulation of Cell Shape in Euglena gracilis

Abstract

The alga Euglena gracilis Z. changes its shape two times per day when grown under the synchronizing effect of a daily light-dark cycle. At the beginning of the light period when photosynthetic capacity is low, the population of cells is largely spherical in shape. The mean cell length of the population increases to a maximum in the middle of the light period when photosynthetic capacity is greatest, and then decreases for the remainder of the 24-hour period. The population becomes spherical by the end of the 24-hour period when the cycle reinitiates. These changes are also observed under constant dim light conditions (up to 72 hours) and are therefore controlled by the biological clock and represent a circadian rhythm in cell shape. In constant dim light, the cell division rhythm is either arrested or slowed considerably, while the cell shape rhythm continues.