1 Membranes: Structure and Function. - 1. The Dynamic Structure of Cell Membranes. - 2. Kinetic and Thermodynamic Approach to Membrane Transport Properties. - 3. Transport in Excitable Membranes. - 4. Model Photosensitive Membranes. - References. - 2 Biochemistry of Chemosensory Behavior in Prokaryotes and Unicellular Eukaryotes. - 1. Diversity and Unity in Chemotaxis. - 2. Perception of Chemicals. - 3. Signal Transduction. - 4. Behavioral Responses. - 5. Adaptation and Signal Processing. - 6. Models for Chemotaxis. - 7. Conclusion. - References. - 3 Mechanosensory Transduction in Protozoa. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Depolarizing and Hyperpolarizing Membrane Responses to Mechanical Stimulation. - 3. Ionic Mechanisms of the Mechanoreceptor Responses. - 4. Kinetic Analysis of the Mechanoreceptor Currents. - 5. Topographical Distribution of the Mechanoreceptor Channels. - 6. Coupling of the Mechanoreceptor Responses with the Behavioral. - Responses. - References. - 4 Temperature Sensing in Microorganisms. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Cellular Components or Processes Affected by Temperature. - 3. Biological Examples. - 4. Summary. - References. - 5 Microbial Geotaxis. - 1. The Phenomena of Geotaxis. - 2. Arenas of Debate. - 3. Methods of Assessment. - 4 Hypotheses on the Mechanism of Geotaxis. - 5. Discussion. - References. - 6 Photosensory Responses in Freely Motile Microorganisms. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Photomotile Responses. - 3. Photoreceptor Properties. - 4. Signal Transduction. - 5. Information Transmission. - 6. Motor Responses. - 7. Concluding Remarks. - References. - 7 Phototropism. - 1. Introduction. - 2. The Sensory Transduction Chain. - 3. Phototropism in Higher Plants. - 4. Phototropism in Lower Plants. - 5. Quest for the Photoreceptor Responsible for Phototropism. - References. - Selected Readings. - 8 Chloroplast Movement. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Perception of the Light Signal. - 3. Mechanics of Movement. - 4. Transduction Processes. - 5. General Conclusions. - References. Language: English