Thiamine and Tetrahymena

Abstract

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Studies on the Biochemistry of Tetrahymena. Vii. Riboflavin, Pantothen, Biotin, Niacin and Pyridoxine in the Growth of T. Geleii W

“…There can be no doubt as to the stimulatory effect of riboflavin, and it is altogether possible that it may function as a detoxifying agent as well. The detoxifying action of thiamine has been suggested previously in this connection (Kidder and Dewey, 1944).…”

“…Added carbon sources appear to be unnecessary except as they may perform a sparing action on the amino acids. Inorganic salts certainly are essential (Hall and Cosgrove, 1944;Kidder and Dewey, 1944) although the question of which elements need to be included is yet to be determined. The commonly employed inorganic salts usually accepted as being physiologically important satisfy the ciliate requirements.…”

“…Using these types of media, claims have been made for the essential nature of thiamine and of riboflavin for Teirahyuiena geleii (Hall and Cosgrove, 1944;Hall, 1944). It was earlier indicated (Kidder and Dewey, 1942) and later conclusively proven (Kidder and Dewey, 1944;1945a;1945b) that at least eight strains of Tetrahymena could grow in a medium in which the thiamine had been destroyed.…”

Studies on the Biochemistry of Tetrahymena. Iv. Amino Acids and Their Relation to the Biosynthesis of Thiamine

“…It is apparent that, although Tetrahymena does possess the ability to synthesize thiamine, this vitamin is a potent stimulant to reproduction, size (Kidder and Dewey, 1944), and longevity (Johnson and Baker, 1943). Thiamine must, therefore, be included in complete media for this ciliate, but the amount needed appears to be less than has been previously used (Hall and Cosgrove, 1944;Kidder and Dewey, 1942;1944).…”

“…They reported growth of their strain of Tetrahymena in heat-and alkali-treated casein in the presence of thiamine and not in its absence. This criticism was shown to be invalid (Kidder and Dewey, 1944) when an extension of the earlier studies was carried out, using heat-and alkali-treated base media (casein, casein hydrolysate, gelatin, gelatin hydrolysate). It was then found that heat and alkali treatment of 1 Aided by grants from the Morgan Edwards Fellowship Fund,…”