Kappas (bacterial symbionts containing R bodies) have been studied in 16 strains of Paramecium aurelia, syngens 2 and 4. All produce toxins capable of killing sensitive paramecia. The first major class, the 51 group (consisting of the kappas of strains 51, 116, and 298), has R bodies which, when the pH is lowered below 6-5, unwind reversibly from the inside to form a tight tube; the outside end...
