Nematocyst discharge and the effects of antibiotics on feeding in hydra
Wilby, O.K.
Nature 262(5567): 387-388
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 PMID: 958389 Document Number: 109982
While attempting to isolate hydra morphogens by column chromatography of tissue homogenates, I decided that a bacteria-free culture would be advantageous. Having established that a final concentration of 100 µg ml−1 penicillin G plus 100 µg ml−1 streptomycin in the normal1 culture medium M gave a 100-fold reduction in bacterial contamination in 24 h, I found that hydra could not feed in this solution; indeed, they seemed unaware of Artemia larvae bumping into them. On transferring the hydra to fresh medium without antibiotic they were immediately able to feed normally.