Structural Changes in Mitochondria of Acanthamoeba at Encystation

Abstract

FOR some time now the mitochondria have been ascribed a role in cellular respiration and more recently changes in intracellular ion concentration and tonicity have been shown to have marked effects on both mitochondrial volume and respiratory activity¹. This communication reports changes in the structure of the mitochondria of a small amœba occurring at a time in the life-cycle when the intracellular environment is undergoing profound changes and respiratory activity is reduced to a minimum, namely, at encystation.