Microtubules in ‘Echinosphaerium Nucleofilum’

Synopsis

Microtubules are microscopic elements which provide cell extensions, such as cilia and flagella, with a more or less rigid form. They are present in the long, needle-like extensions, called axopodia, of the multinucleate protozoan ‘Echinosphaerium nucleofilum’. This organism lives in pond water and moves slowly over the substrate by using its axopodia. The axopodia are also used to capture prey, and, through retraction, to transport the capture to the cell body. The role of microtubules in the formation and maintenance of the axopodia of Echinosphaerium is investigated. Dr Ian Gibbons of the University of Hawaii supplied the electron micrography of the 9 + 2 pattern of microtubules in the flagella of ‘Trichonympha’. Nomarski interference, phase contrast and polarization microscopy were used for filming.

Series

Developmental Biology Film Program, Series

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Film; Film. 16mm. sd. col. 10 min.

Technical information

Black-and-white / Sound

Year of production

1972

Availability

Hire

Documentation

Notes supplied.

Uses

Zoology, biology, especially cell and developmental biology.*

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

cells; developmental biology; microtubules

Credits

Director

Lewis Tilney

Distribution Formats

Type

Film

Format

16mm

Production Company

Name

USA

Sponsor

Name

USA

Distributor

Name

Higher Education Film & Video Library

Email

services@bufvc.ac.uk

Web

http://bufvc.ac. External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7393 1503

Fax

020 7393 1555

Address

c/o British Universities Film & Video Council
77 Wells Street
London
W1T 3QJ

Notes

Catalogue available from British Universities Film & Video Council.