Two-dimensional trajectory analysis of the diatom Navicula sp. using a micro chamber.

We describe a trajectory analysis of diatom cell locomotion by combining a micro chamber and two-dimensional position coordinate analysis. By shutting cells in a micro chamber, continuous microscopic observation of Navicula sp. cells was possible. The trajectory of each cell was visualized once every second by using position coordinate analysis although time resolution of previous papers were range of minutes. Our data revealed frequent change of movement direction. Furthermore, the correlation between the distances moved, the velocity, and the acceleration of the cells was discussed in detail.