The flagella of temporary dikaryons of Chlamydomonas reinhardii

Abstract

The structure and function of flagella are genetically determined and single gene mutants – for example, lacking in motility or of abnormal flagellar length – have previously been investigated. When such mutants are crossed with wild-type, temporary dikaryons – prozygotes – are formed with two nuclei and a common cytoplasm. The properties of the four flagella – two originally abnormal – have been observed as a function of time. In wild-type × non-motile mutant crosses, restoration of motility has been observed in a number of cases. If the dikaryons are deflagellated regeneration occurs, together with restoration of motility or of normal length to the previously abnormal pair. Complementation at the cytoplasmic level has been found in paired mutants. © 1971, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.