Supraoptimal growth-temperature reduces the heat-shock sensitivity of the chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis

Summary The chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis shows some characteristic alterations after a sublethal heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes). Most cells round up and retract their cytoplasmic tail. The lorica formation is affected and, in nearly all cells, flagellar activity. Most membrane systems, especially the dictyosome, are severely damaged. In contrast the flagellar root apparatus and the cortical microtubules seem to be unaffected.After growth at a supraoptimal temperature of 33 C and a subsequent heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes) the cells do not show the heat injuries reported above. The ability to form the lorica becomes also adapted to higher temperatures.Possible adaptation mechanisms are discussed.