Biochemical Comparison of Some Classical Tetrahymena pyriformis and T. vorax Strains*

SYNOPSIS. The classical Tetrahymena pyriformis and T. vorax strains have been classified in antigenic subgroups based on immobilization and agar double diffusion in the presence of specific antisera. The present study utilized disc electrophoresis of proteins and lactate dehydrogenase isozymes for comparison of 11 strains. In agreement with similarities reported for agar diffusion data, close electrophoretic relationships were observed between strains GL and H, and V₂ and W with aniline black staining. Altho LDH isozyme production was more variable and related to cultural growth phase, similarities were recognized between GL and H, and F and PR.