LECTIN BINDING-SITES IN MARINE AMEBAS

The binding characteristics of 7 different FITC-conjugated lectins with 7 species and 1 strain of marine amoebae were examined. This survey identified 8 different binding compartments in the cell. Although there was little congruity in binding action, even within a single genus, the survey did highlight cases where lectin binding has diagnostic application in the identification of closely related and morphologically similar amoebae. Moreover, one strain of amoeba, Paramoeba HB showed unique cytoplasmic binding with Triticum vulgaris agglutinin (WGA). The fine structure of this amoeba was examined and a vesicular cytoplasmic region was identified as the probable site of WGA-binding. The applicability of lectin binding for the identification and study of marine amoebae is discussed.