Activation of Eukaryotic Flagellar Beating at High-Pressure

Abstract

Eukaryotic flagella and cilia generate rhythmical beating motions. When the structure is partially defective, the motility is severely impaired. We have developed a high-pressure microscope that is optimized both for the best image formation and for the stability to hydrostatic pressure up to 150 MPa. Here, we show that high hydrostatic pressure induces vigorous beating motion of Chlamydomonas flagella with defect structures. In addition, our results suggest that application of pressure increased intra-flagella Ca²⁺ concentration. The present technique could be extended to study other protein machineries and cell dynamics.