Microcalorimetry as a possible tool for phylogenetic studies of Tetrahymena

Using isothermal microcalorimetry, the growth power-time curves of three strains of Tetrahymena were determined at 28 degrees C. Their Euclidean distances and cluster analysis diagram were obtained by using two thermokinetic parameters (r and Q(log)), which showed that T. thermophila BF1 and T. thermophila BF5 had a closer relationship. Compared with the single molecular biomarker (ITS1) method, microcalorimetry wasmaybe a simpler, more sensitive andmore economic technique in the phylogenetic studies of Tetrahymena species.