Stentor, Its Cell Biology and Development

Abstract

Stentor comprises a genus of freshwater protists that has long enthralled cell and developmental biologists. These organisms are large polyploid single cells that possess highly polarised and complex structures. Normally elongated in a trumpet‐like shape, Stentor cells also have the ability to contract their cell body, and do so in response to mechanical or light stimuli. Interestingly, this response is subject to habituation, meaning the cell can ‘learn’ after repeated exposure to ignore these stimuli and stay elongated. Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of Stentor is the ability of these cells to fully regenerate after being cut in half, perfectly preserving the original cell structure. Numerous microscopic studies analysed the minute morphological details of Stentor regeneration, but for many decades, there were no tools available for molecular and genetic studies. However, recent developments should now allow researchers to probe the molecular details of regeneration in a single‐celled organism. Key Concepts Stentor coeruleus is a large and highly polarised single cell with complex cell biology. Stentor cells exhibit a rapid contractile response in reaction to light and mechanical stimulation, but they can habituate to these stimuli over time. Stentor cells possess the remarkable ability to fully regenerate themselves after being cut in half.

Phylogeny, morphology, and behavior of the new ciliate speciesStentor stipatus

“…Stentor species are widespread in freshwater environments (Foissner 1994, Reiff andMarshall 2015) and are notable for their easily visible surface patterning demarcated by pigmented stripes, their ability to perform complex behaviors, such as phototaxis (Kim et al 1984), decision-making (Dexter et al 2019), and learning (Rajan et al 2023a) despite being unicellular, and thus lacking a nervous system. Furthermore, Stentor have the remarkable ability to regenerate after being injured by microsurgery (Morgan 1901, Tartar 1961.…”