THE EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL STATE ON PHOTOREVERSAL OF ULTRAVIOLET INJURIES IN DIDINIUM NASUTUM

Abstract

1. The effect of the nutritional state of Didinium nasutum on its resistance to short ultraviolet (UV) radiation (2654 A) and its recovery from the injury following illumination with visible light (4350 A, blue) was studied. 2. The resistance of a didinium to UV is considerably increased by feeding it a paramecium 15 to 60 minutes before exposure to UV. If fed just before exposure to UV, the resistance is less than that of an unfed control. 3. Photoreversal is only slightly greater in didinia fed after irradiation with UV but before exposure to visible light as compared to those fed after exposure to visible light. 4. Irradiated paramecia are eaten by didinia, provided they have not started to cytolyze. Didinia fed on irradiated paramecia divide at about the same rate as controls or slightly faster. 5. The available stock of Didinium declines in vigor with lapse of time after excystment, as measured by the time required for division. The sensitivity of Didinium to UV did not change essentially during the 5 month period over which tests were made. 6. The theoretical implications of the results are considered.