An investigation of the factors influencing mean cell volume in populations of the ciliate Colpidium campylum |
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Authors: | Johanna E M Laybourn |
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Institution: | Department of Biology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland |
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Abstract: | Within the temperature range 10°C-20°C, temperature had no effect on the mean cell size of C. campylum. Population density also exerted no noticeable effect on mean cell volume. The quantity of energy consumed, however, had a marked effect. In experiments where less than 8000 μJ were consumed/individual/24 h, the mean cell volume decreased. Above this level of energy consumption mean cell volume maintained a constant level. The maximum values obtained for cell sizes were 160–190 × 103μm3 and the minimum values 40–100 × 103μm3. A response to decreased food concentration and hence decreased energy consumption was obtained within the 24 h experimental period, indicating a rapid response to changed environment by the ciliates. |
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