Role of host ciliate Paramecium bursaria mitochondria and trichocysts for symbiotic Chlorella variabilis attachment beneath the host cell cortex

Abstract

Abstract Symbiotic Chlorella variabilis is encased in the perialgal vacuole (PV) membrane of ciliate Paramecium bursaria. The PV membrane is stably anchored below the host cell cortex by adhesion to host mitochondria. Host trichocysts, which are defensive organelles against predators, are present in the mitochondria and PV membrane vicinity. The mechanism by which PV attaches beneath the host cell cortex remains unknown. When P. bursaria is centrifuged at high speed, the symbiotic algae are displaced from the host cell cortex and concentrate at the posterior end. When centrifugation is stopped, the dislocated algae reattach beneath the host cell cortex with fast cytoplasmic streaming. The densities of mitochondria and trichocysts before and after centrifugation were compared using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with monoclonal antibodies. Almost all trichocysts were shed by high-speed centrifugation, but dislocated algae could reattach even in the absence of trichocysts. In contrast, host mitochondria were unaffected in localization and number, and the dislocated algae also reattached. These findings suggest trichocysts are unnecessary for algal relocalization and that mitochondria are colocalized with the algae. However, many mitochondria were also present in the cell’s anterior region without symbiotic algae. Therefore, not all areas with mitochondria contained algae, but there was an algal localization bias within the host cell.