Dear Chlamy community,
I need to fluorescently stain Chlamydomonas augustae (CCAP 11/51B) cells
for an experiment where we want to image a labelled subpopulation of
swimming cells flowed in a tube. I want to image the population
macroscopically, so I don't care what gets stained provided the cells
are more visible than unstained cells and as normally motile.
I have tried with neutral red but I am failing to stain the cells and
keep them motile. Cells stained at around 100 micro molar of dye and
washed, fluoresce nicely, but they don't swim! Cells stained for smaller
concentrations swim nicely, but are not stained.
Can anyone with experience of neutral red staining of chlamy give me
some advice? Alternatively can anyone suggest a protocol for staining
with any other fluorescent vital dye which doesn't affect motility? (I
am already aware of FDA, but haven't tried it yet, as we don't have the
right filters).
Thanks in advance for your help!
Otti Croze,
University of Glasgow
