The mechanism of diatom locomotion. II. Identification of actin

Abstract

Abstract Nitrobenzooxadiazole-phallacidin binds specifically to the microfilamentous bundles associated with the raphe of a motile diatom, providing evidence for the actin-like nature of the filaments. Since the raphe is implicated in cell locomotion the locomotive force may be generated by the associated microfilaments. Alternatively, the microfilaments may be involved in the translocation of vesicles containing mucilage secreted during movement.