Immunological studies of isolated particulates of Paramecium aurella. I. Antigenic relationships between cytoplasmic organelles and evidence for mitochondrial variations as demonstrated by gel diffusion.

Mitochondria and other particulates-cilia, trichocysts, and "small granules"-have been isolated from several stocks of Paramecium aurelia, syngen 2. Antisera against these particles and against breis have been used to characterize the fractions by diffusion in gel. Evidence is presented for the relationship of particles, as demonstrated by immunologic cross-reactivity of the soluble antigens extracted from them. Although some antigens are unique for a fraction, cross-reacting antigens in two or more fractions, as determined by "spur" formation in agar, suggest a relationship between morphologically diverse particles. A procedure for studying cross-reactions in gels is described using the specific immobilization antigens as a model. The localization of these antigens within cilia, and perhaps trichocysts, has been confirmed. Other organelles, specifically mitochondria and "small granules," appear to alter their specificity spontaneously and reversibly during cell reproduction, a pattern reminiscent of the immobilization serotypes which can transform to one another during clonal growth.