Rapid axopodial shortening seen in Raphidocystis contractilis, before (A) and after (B) mechanical stimulation (IMAGE)

Okayama University

Rapid axopodial shortening seen in Raphidocystis contractilis, before (A) and after (B) mechanical stimulation

Caption

Heliozoan Raphidocystis contractilis withdraws its axopodia a few milliseconds after encountering an external stimulus. Researchers from Okayama University, Japan report that microtubule dynamics hold the key to this instant arm shortening

Credit

Motonori Ando from Okayama University

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