Physiological response of Tetrahymena pyriformis during adaptation to elevated external salinity.

Tetrahymena pyriformis exhibited a complex physiological and biochemical response during sudden exposure to high (200 mM) NaCl concentrations. The growth rate was reduced significantly. Uptake of precursor molecules and synthesis of macromolecules was reduced to 30% of control. Sudden exposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis to 200 mM NaCl resulted in increased proteolysis of already existing proteins and affected the electrophoretic pattern of the total proteins.