This work represents a detailed guide for commitment point analysis in microalgae dividing by multiple fission. The method is based on allowing the committed cells to divide in favorable conditions in the dark. This protocol offers a strategy to monitor cell cycle progression, both in control cultures and cultures treated with compounds affecting cell cycle length and/or progression. As the variety of such compounds is wide, our aim was to make the protocol easily modifiable to various research aims. The technique is easy to follow, low-cost, does not require any special equipment and offers reliable results in a reasonable time. The protocol offers step-by-step instructions, explains the theory behind these steps and offers solutions to some of the problems that may arise during the procedure.

Centre Algatech Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences Třeboň Czech Republic

Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia České Budějovice Czech Republic

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