| Abstract: | The ciliophoran Paramecium tetraurelia, has large exocytotic (secretory) organelles called trichocysts. Although considerable work on the development, genetics and physiology of the trichocyst as an exocytotic organelle has been done, the function of the organelle is still unknown. One venerable hypothesis of trichocyst function is that its violent exocytotic release serves as a defense against predator attack. This hypothesis was tested in the laboratory through two types of experiments. The predator used in the research was Didinium nasutum, another ciliophoran. Wild-type tetraurelia, |
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