Flagellar Ultrastructure and Phylogeny of Golden Algae

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The structure of the flagella (swimming organelles) and associated subcellular components will be examined in golden algae by Dr. Robert Andersen of DePaul University. These algae are photosynthetic organisms, but they have cell cytoskeleton features similar to animals. The combination of photosynthetic and cytoskeletal features with the small size and rapid growth of the organisms makes the golden algae a good experimental model system where the results can aid in our understanding plants and animals. Two techniques, electron microscopy and monoclonal antibody immunofluorescent studies, will be employed. Microtubules, which are major components of flagella and cell cytoskeletons, will be identified using a fluorescent stain conjugated to tubulin protein molecules. The position of microtubules in "ordinary" cells will be compared to the position of microtubules in dividing cells. Furthermore, as one cell divides into two cells, the developmental process of producing two flagellar apparatuses and two cytoskeletons will be investigated. Electron microscopy will be employed to provide fine details of these structures and processes. The findings should help us better understand the structure and change in structure of flagellar apparatuses and cytoskeletons in golden algae. In addition, the findings should also help us better understand evolutionary relationships among these and other algae.