A Computer Model for the Movement of Electrically Stimulated Paramecium

Abstract

In this paper, I will study some parameters that affect the motion behavior of a Paramecium which is exposed to stimulation by electrical pulses. This study is conducted by simulation using a two – segment electrophysiological model computer program. The
goal of the simulation program is to find the relation between the intraciliary calcium concentration, [Ca²⁺]i and the electric pulses’ amplitude applied to a free swimming Paramecium, as well as to explore the relationship between the electric pulse amplitude and the ciliary reversal time. I have found that when the anterior segment of the model lies toward the anode before application of the electric pulses across the cell, the membrane potential of the cell will be depolarized at some electric pulses of different amplitude and duration. This depolarization causes the cilia to reverse their beating direction which makes the cell swim backward. The longest time for this reversal, about 2s, is found at the pulse of 80 mV and 0.6 ms. In contrast, the model shows that there are very small depolarization and no depolarization when the anterior segment lies toward the cathode before the electric pulses are applied.

Keywords: Computer model; Two–segment; Intraciliary calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]I.