Our understanding of the biology of ciliate pheromones, and of the primary functions of the mating-type mechanism regulated by these molecules, has given rise to radical conflicts of opinion among different investigators, as regards interpretation of phenomena, definition of basic concepts, and use of terminology. Such conflicts are largely due to untimely generalizations of principles and to definitions not adequately based on a sufficiently wide spectrum of experimental observations. Over the years, we have relied mainly on studies on Paramecium and Blepharisma, which cannot be regarded in this context as paradigmatic systems of ciliates, and these latter form a rather heterogenous group of organisms (Schlegel 1991). It is, therefore, necessary to summarize concisely the historical background against which our understanding of ciliate pheromones has developed, in such a way as to provide the reader with a picture of the facts which is as coherent and objective as possible
Ciliate pheromones
LUPORINI, Pierangelo;MICELI, Cristina;VALLESI, Adriana
1996-01-01
Abstract
Our understanding of the biology of ciliate pheromones, and of the primary functions of the mating-type mechanism regulated by these molecules, has given rise to radical conflicts of opinion among different investigators, as regards interpretation of phenomena, definition of basic concepts, and use of terminology. Such conflicts are largely due to untimely generalizations of principles and to definitions not adequately based on a sufficiently wide spectrum of experimental observations. Over the years, we have relied mainly on studies on Paramecium and Blepharisma, which cannot be regarded in this context as paradigmatic systems of ciliates, and these latter form a rather heterogenous group of organisms (Schlegel 1991). It is, therefore, necessary to summarize concisely the historical background against which our understanding of ciliate pheromones has developed, in such a way as to provide the reader with a picture of the facts which is as coherent and objective as possibleI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
