ATPase activity in flagella from Euglena gracilis. Localization of the enzyme and effects of detergents

J Protozool. 1975 Aug;22(3):331-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1975.tb05182.x.

Abstract

The biochemical effects of some detergents on the ATPase activity of isolated flagella from Euglena gracilis are related to morphologic obliterations induced by those detergents. Enzymic activity can be localized by electron microscopy along the microtubules and also on the paraflagellar rod. The nonionic detergent digitonin solubilizes the enzyme linked to dyneinic arms, whereas the activity linked to residual structures appears enhanced. These results support the hypothesis that the paraflagellar rod may be a structure activity related to the motility of this type of flagellum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Detergents / pharmacology*
  • Digitonin / pharmacology
  • Euglena gracilis / drug effects
  • Euglena gracilis / enzymology*
  • Flagella / drug effects
  • Flagella / enzymology*
  • Flagella / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microtubules / enzymology
  • Movement / drug effects

Substances

  • Detergents
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Digitonin