Zoospore germination in Blastocladiella emersonii: cell differentiation without protein synthesis?

Evidence is presented to suggest that several early events of zoospore germination in the water mold, Blastocladiella emersonii, are not dependent upon concomitant protein synthesis. The events involve abrupt, dramatic changes in cell architecture. On account of this evidence, as well as evidence available from other sources, we question whether differential protein synthesis provides an exclusive and sufficient mechanism for phenotypic change (i.e., cell differentiation). Rather, we argue that mechanisms for bringing about structural alterations in the preformed machinery of the cell should also be given attention.