Effects of High Magnetic Field upon Euglena gracilis

Abstract

Effect of high magnetic field on Euglena gracilis Z was examined. Euglena was placed in a high gradient magnetic field (380 T²m^-1). Living Euglena moved to higher magnetic field, whereas dead Euglena moved to the opposite side (lower magnetic field). From the in-situ microscope observation, Euglena was found to be oriented approximately perpendicular to the magnetic field regardless of life and death. Based on the above observations the mechanism of magnetotaxis of Euglena was discussed.