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The Dynamic Cell

Practical V

Experiment 2
 Chlamydomonas is a unicellular algae that can detect and swin toward light.  This of course helps it to maintain itself in a part of the pond that is illuminated.
Four cultures were set up (left).  Each culture was placed next to a strip light so that light could shine in through a slot in each of the cultures.  Chlamydomonas were then given the chance to swim toward the light and gather at the window (the slot).
Conclusions:-
VPA and Lithium inhibit locomotion and chemotaxis
of Dictyostelium amoebae.
VPA and Lithium inhibit phototaxis of Chlamydomonas.
Lithium inhibits inositol monophosphatase (and inositol Poly-phosphatase),
 thereby leading to a decreased inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate
(InsP3) response.  Exact mechanism for VPA not known but it also inhibits PI
Pathways.
Williams, R. S. B., Cheung, L., Mudge, A. W. & Harwood, A. J. (2002) A common mechanism
of action for three mood-stabilizing drugs. Nature. 417, 292-295.

 
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