Effect of different toxic compounds on ATP content and acid phosphatase activity in axenic cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis

Abstract

The sensitivity of protozoa, and particularly ciliated protozoa, to environmental changes suggested a study on the physiological responses arising from exposure to toxic compounds. Tetrahymena pyriformis was used as a test organism in a set of miniaturized assays. The physiological response of this ciliate was assessed in terms of adenosine-5'-triphosphate content and acid phosphatase activity after exposure of the cultures of T. pyriformis to four toxicants: copper, zinc, Triton X-100, and cycloheximide. In the range of concentrations used, stimulation and inhibition of these two parameters were observed. The correlation between the two parameters is analyzed.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) – PRAXIS XXI - Grant BPD/11594/02