Behavior of epixenosomes and the epixenosomal band during divisional morphogenesis in Euplotidium itoi (Ciliata, Hypotrichida)

In the present study the variations of the epixenosomal band and the behavior of epixenosomes during the divisional morphogenesis of Euplotodium itoi have been analyzed. From the results obtained it arises that the multiplication, the precise redistribution between the two daughter E. itoi cells, and the transformation of epixenosomes from form I to form II are all processes well coordinated with the reproductive cycle of the ciliate. Euplotidium can live and divide even without epixenosomes. It appears, however, that not only E. itoi has a strong influence on epixenosomes but that the epixenosomes themselves also influence the ciliate host in some way.