Induction of Competence for Mating in <i>Tetrahymena</i> by Cell‐Free Fluids

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Cell‐free fluid from sexually reactive cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis , syngen 7 can induce mating in otherwise unreactive mixtures of cells of 2 mating types. Rare individual cells may initiate the production of this substance, but once it is produced, the entire culture becomes sexually reactive.