Posttraumatic somatic macronuclear reorganization in Heliophrya erhardi, suctoria, ciliata (With Notes on Regeneration of Tentacles and Pulsating Vacuoles)

Abstract

The large, branched macronucleus of the suctorian ciliate Heliophrya erhardi has a dramatic regenerative/reorganizational capacity. Mechanical manipulation can break the large branched macronucleus into small fragments. Over a period of 3 days the macronucleus reorganizes through fusion of these fragments, forming a single new branched macronucleus. Pulsating vacuoles and feeding tentacles regenerate as well after mechanical destruction.