Ref ID : 3641
Hans-Werner Kuhlmann and Klaus Heckmann; Interspecific Morphogens Regulating Prey-Predator Relationships in Protozoa. Science 227:1347-1349, 1985
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The ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus and some close relative of it are triggered by predator-released substances to undergo morphogenetic changes that inhibit their engulfment. The changes occur within a few hours and do not require cell division. They are perpetuated during reproduction so long as the concentration of the morphogen is maintained. The ability of Euplotes to respond to predator-produced signals by a defensive change in cell architecture probably provides an effective mechanism for damping population oscillations of both prey and predators and fosters coexistence. The signal-induced cell transformation merits study for its own sake because of its development implications.