Centralized repository and distribution site for variety of Tetrahymena strains and species. Maintains diverse array of wild type, mutant, and genetically engineered strains of T. thermophila, the most commonly used laboratory species, and variety of other species derived from both laboratory maintained stocks and wild isolates. All stocks are stored in liquid nitrogen to maintain genetic integrity and prevent senescence. In addition to providing worldwide access to strains currently in collection, TSC continually upgrades collection by accepting deposition of newly developed laboratory strains and well characterized wild isolates collected from clearly defined natural sites. [from RRID]