Pantophobiac A (cam series; i.e cam1)

The Pantophobiac series of mutants affects the calcium dependent K+channel. Generally the channel does not open properly resulting in a stereotypical over-reaction to all stimuli, perhaps the Paramecium version ofa permanent hangover. Pantophobiac A has been determined to be due to mutations in the carboxy terminus of calmodulin. Thus, these mutations are sometimes referred to as cam mutants, typically numbered with a digit below 10 (for instance, cam1). cam1 and cam3 available

Pantophobiac B

The Pantophobiac series of mutants primarily affects the calcium dependent K+ channel. Generally the channel does not open properly resulting in a stereotypical over-reaction to all stimuli. Pantophobiac B has not been identified at the sequence level but does not map to calmodulin. Pantophobiac B available

Fast 2 (cam series; i.e, cam11)

The Fast2 series of mutants affect the calcium dependent Na+ channel. Generally the channel does not open properly and this results in what is sometimes referred to as a "sodium blind" phenotype. In sodium testing solutions this mutant will under-react when compared to wildtype cells. It was determined by Kung and colleagues that this mutant mapped to the amino half of the calmodulin gene. Thus this series of mutants is sometimes referred to as being part of the cam series described above. Another name for these mutants is fna. When using the cam nomenclature they are typically numbered cam11 +. cam11 available

Dancer

The Dancer series of mutants affect the inactivation of the voltage dependent Ca2+ channel. This results in cells swimming backwards in KCl test solution for a longer time than wildtype. At the end of their backward swimming response they will undergo a series of 'jerks' that can be described as a dance, particularly by those raised on 60's dance routines. Dancer 1 and Dancer 7 available

Pawn

The Pawn series of mutant do not react to any test solution. This is due to the failure of the voltage dependent Ca2+ channel to open. Much like the proverbial chess for which they are named, they can only move forward. Thus doomed to a life of continual advancement, they can never pause to ponder, or retreat from uncertainity. They are doomed to plung forward, never to consider the consequences. Sad but noble in a way. PawnA, PawnB, and PawnC available.

For more information about how the ion channels in Paramecium control swimming behavior click here. For information about how behavioral tests are conducted click here. To obtain any of the mutants listed below, please contact me by email dfraga@acs.wooster.ed