Effects of high magnetic field on Euglena gracilis

Abstract

The effects of high magnetic field on Euglena gracilis Z were examined. When a horizontal magnetic field gradient (ca. 400 T ^2 m ^{-1} ) was applied, living E. gracilis moved to a higher field (positive magnetotaxis), whereas dead one gathered in a lower field. Magnetotaxis was not observed in a uniform magnetic field of 8 T. E. gracilis was oriented almost perpendicularly to the magnetic field regardless of life and death. Magnetotaxis of E. gracilis would be explained by taking into account inhomogeneous magnetic forces on and magnetic orientation of E. gracilis.