Localized Bioconvection of Euglena Caused by Phototaxis in the Lateral Direction

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Localized pattern of bioconvection was newly observed in a suspension of Euglena gracilis, which was a photosensitive micro-organism. The suspension was exposed bright illumination from the bottom, in which the cells swam away from the light source. Then high-density spots, i.e., settling the cells, were formed at a part of a sealed chamber. This localized pattern was contrast with a general bioconvection where pattern was generated whole of a chamber. The experimental observations were reproduced by a mathematical model that was based on the phototaxis of individual cells in both vertical and lateral directions. Our results indicate that convection is maintained by upward swimming, as with general bioconvection, and the localization originates from lateral phototaxis.
2011-06-15