The fine structure of Leucocytozoon simondi. III. The ookinete and mature sporozoite

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherwin S. Desser
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Transverse Section ◽  
Crystalline Material ◽  
Apical Region ◽  
Nuclear Region ◽  
Food Material ◽  
Polar Ring ◽  
Inner Surface

The pellicles of ookinetes and sporozoites of Leucocytozoon simondi measure about 40 mμ and are similar in appearance. The parasites are bounded externally by a trilaminar plasma membrane beneath which lies a fibrillar zone. Below this zone and forming the inner surface of the pellicle is a second membrane-like layer. The specialized apical region of the ookinete is modified into a thickened "cap-like" structure. The pellicle in this apical cap region appears wavy and the inner layer appears allernately thick and thin in transverse section. In the subpellicular space lie numerous long thickened structures suggestive of struts which line the inner surface of the apical cap. Beneath these, about 70 microtubules ring the cytoplasm. Numerous dense elongate micronemes extend anteriorly toward the apex of the ookinete. The anterior tip of the pellicle of sporozoites is modified into a cup-like conoid and a polar ring with which about 35 subpellicular microtubules are associated. Elongate paired organelles extend anteriorly from the nuclear region to the polar ring. Numerous dense, ellipsoidal granules and one or more mitochondria are seen in the cytoplasm. A crystalline material which corresponds with the "vacuoles" observed in Giemsa-stained ookinetes and sporozoites lies in two or more zones within the cytoplasm and may be a stored food material or possibly a virus.

The fine structure of the ookinete of Parahaemoproteus velans (= Haemoproteus velans Coatney and Roudabush) (Haemosporidia: Haemoproteidae)

1972 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 477-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherwin S. Desser
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Granular Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Central Nucleus ◽  
Apical Region ◽  
Cylindrical Structures ◽  
Inner Surface

The ookinete of Parahaemoproteus velans is bounded externally by a trilaminar membrane, beneath which lies a fibrillar zone. Below this zone and forming the inner surface of the pellicle is a second, dense, membranelike layer. The specialized apical region of the ookinete is modified into a thickened "caplike" structure. The inner layer of the pellicle in this region is thickened and wavy in appearance. In a sub-pellicular space in the cap region lie about 27 elongate cylindrical structures, and beneath these about 50 microtubules ring the cytoplasm. Numerous dense spherical bodies are located in the anterior cytoplasm of the parasite. A large, more or less central nucleus, often containing microtubular elements, lies in a cytoplasm richly endowed with granular endoplasmic reticulum. Two or more areas containing a "crystalloid" material lie anterior and posterior to the nucleus.

Spermatogenesis and the fine structure of the mature spermatozoon of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica (Trematoda: Digenea)

Parasitology ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. W. Stitt ◽  
I. Fairweather
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Liver Fluke ◽  
Central Body ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Mature Spermatozoon ◽  
Basal Bodies ◽  
Nuclear Region ◽  
Sperm Ultrastructure ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Median Process

SUMMARYSpermatogenesis and the fine structure of the mature spermatozoon of Fasciola hepatica have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The primary spermatogonia display a typical gonial morphology and occupy the periphery of the testis. They undergo 3 mitotic divisions to give rise to 8 primary spermatocytes forming a rosette of cells connected to a central cytophore. The primary spermatocytes undergo 2 meiotic divisions, resulting in 32 spermatids that develop into spermatozoa. Intranuclear synaptonemal complexes in primary spermatocytes confirm the first meiotic division. The onset of spermiogenesis is marked by the formation of the zone of differentiation which contains 2 basal bodies and a further centriole derivative, the central body. The zone extends away from the spermatid cell to form the median process; into this migrates the differentiated and elongate nucleus. Simultaneously, 2 axonemes develop from the basal bodies. During development, they rotate through 90° to extend parallel to the median process. The migration of the nucleus to the distal end of the median process coincides with the fusion of the axonemes to the latter to form a monopartite spermatozoon. The mature spermatozoon possesses 2 axonemes of the 9 + ‘1’ pattern typical of parasitic platyhelminths, 2 elongate mitochondria and a variable array of peripheral microtubules. The nuclear region of the spermatozoon is immotile. The value of sperm ultrastructure as a taxonomic tool in platyhelminth phylogeny is discussed.

Ultrastructure and development of urediospore ornamentation in Melampsora lini

1971 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 2067-2073 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Littlefield ◽  
C. E. Bracker
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Outer Surface ◽  
Spore Wall ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Melampsora Lini ◽  
Inner Surface ◽  
External Position ◽  
Basal Portion

The urediospores of Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Lev. are echinulate, with spines ca. 1 μ long over their surface. The spines are electron-transparent, conical projections, with their basal portion embedded in the electron-dense spore wall. The entire spore, including the spines, is covered by a wrinkled pellicle ca. 150–200 Å thick. The spore wall consists of three recognizable layers in addition to the pellicle. Spines form initially as small deposits at the inner surface of the spore wall adjacent to the plasma membrane. Endoplasmic reticulum occurs close to the plasma membrane in localized areas near the base of spines. During development, the spore wall thickens, and the spines increase in size. Centripetal growth of the wall encases the spines in the wall material. The spines progressively assume a more external position in the spore wall and finally reside at the outer surface of the wall. A mutant strain with finely verrucose spores was compared to the wild type. The warts on the surface of the mutant spores are rounded, electron-dense structures ca. 0.2–0.4 μ high, in contrast to spines of the wild type. Their initiation near the inner surface of the spore wall and their eventual placement on the outer surface of the spore are similar to that of spines. The wall is thinner in mutant spores than in wild-type spores.

scholarly journals Paracrystalline arrays of membrane-to-membrane cross bridges associated with the inner surface of plasma membrane

1978 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
WW Franke ◽  
C Grund ◽  
E Schmid ◽  
E Mandelkow
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Hexagonal Lattice ◽  
Interparticle Distance ◽  
Macromolecular Complexes ◽  
Inner Surface ◽  
Cross Bridges ◽  
Plasma Membrane Surface

In cultured cells of the rat kangaroo PtK2 line, veils of the cell surface were observed which consisted of only plasma membrane and paracrystalline arrays of membrane-associated particles sandwiched in between. These membrane-to-membrane cross-bridging 9-to 11-nm wide particles were somewhat coumellar-shaped and were arranged on a hexagonal lattice with an interparticle distance of 16nm. At higher magnification, they revealed an unstained core, thus suggesting a ringlike substructure. Similar arrays of paracrystal-containing veils, which were rather variable in size and frequency, were also observed in other cultured cells. It is hypothesized that these paracrystals represent protein macromolecular complexes associated with the inner plasma membrane surface which crystallize when plasma membranes come into close intracellular contact and other components of the subsurface network are removed.

scholarly journals The Neurospora crassa exocyst complex tethers Spitzenkörper vesicles to the apical plasma membrane during polarized growth

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1312-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meritxell Riquelme ◽  
Erin L. Bredeweg ◽  
Olga Callejas-Negrete ◽  
Robert W. Roberson ◽  
Sarah Ludwig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Hyphal Growth ◽  
Apical Plasma Membrane ◽  
Apical Region ◽  
Secretory Vesicles ◽  
Polarized Growth ◽  
Hyphal Morphogenesis ◽  
Exocyst Complex ◽  
Dynamic Formation

Fungal hyphae are among the most highly polarized cells. Hyphal polarized growth is supported by tip-directed transport of secretory vesicles, which accumulate temporarily in a stratified manner in an apical vesicle cluster, the Spitzenkörper. The exocyst complex is required for tethering of secretory vesicles to the apical plasma membrane. We determined that the presence of an octameric exocyst complex is required for the formation of a functional Spitzenkörper and maintenance of regular hyphal growth in Neurospora crassa. Two distinct localization patterns of exocyst subunits at the hyphal tip suggest the dynamic formation of two assemblies. The EXO-70/EXO-84 subunits are found at the peripheral part of the Spitzenkörper, which partially coincides with the outer macrovesicular layer, whereas exocyst components SEC-5, -6, -8, and -15 form a delimited crescent at the apical plasma membrane. Localization of SEC-6 and EXO-70 to the plasma membrane and the Spitzenkörper, respectively, depends on actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. The apical region of exocyst-mediated vesicle fusion, elucidated by the plasma membrane–associated exocyst subunits, indicates the presence of an exocytotic gradient with a tip-high maximum that dissipates gradually toward the subapex, confirming the earlier predictions of the vesicle supply center model for hyphal morphogenesis.

scholarly journals THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CARDIAC DESMOSOMES IN THE TOAD AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE INTERCALATED DISC

1960 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip M. Grimley ◽  
George A. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Dense Region ◽  
Intercalated Disc ◽  
Outer Coat ◽  
Intercalated Discs ◽  
Simple Step ◽  
Contractile Forces ◽  
Band Material

The fine structure of desmosomes and intercalated discs in the toad heart is discussed. A definite relationship between the dense components of these structures and the dense region of the Z band is demonstrated. The dense region of the Z band characteristically widens at its approach to the plasma membrane, and often terminates beneath it in a distinct discoidal plaque. Cardiac desmosomes appear to be structures which result from the intimate apposition of plaques of Z band material. These desmosomes retain the Z band function as sites of attachment for myofilaments. The suggestion is made that rotation of a desmosome through 90° and splitting of filaments from the adjacent sarcomere could result in the formation of a simple step-like intercalated disc. Intermediate stages in this process are illustrated. Complex discs present in the toad probably represent the alignment of groups of simple discs produced by contractile forces. Possible physiologic functions of the disc and desmosome are discussed. Other morphologic features of toad cardiac cells include a distinct amorphous outer coat to the sarcolemma, a prominent N band, and a granular sarcoplasm with poorly developed reticulum.

scholarly journals Growth and Differentiation of the Golgi Apparatus in the Red Alga, Callithamnion Roseum

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-655
Author(s):  
EVA KONRAD HAWKINS
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Golgi Apparatus ◽  
Red Algae ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Spore Wall ◽  
Red Alga ◽  
Wall Formation ◽  
Golgi Vesicles

The fine structure of the Golgi apparatus during development of tetrasporangia of Calli-thamnion roseum is described. Dictyosomes and associated vesicles of 4 developmental stages of sporangia are examined. The wall of sporangia exhibits a heretofore unseen cuticle in red algae. Development of the spore wall and a new plasma membrane around spores occurs through fusion of adjacent Golgi vesicles along the periphery of cells. Observations are discussed in relation to wall formation and expansion of tetrads and in comparison with other work on growth and differentiation of the Golgi apparatus.

scholarly journals The fine structure produced in cells by primary fixatives 2. Potassium dichromate

1965 ◽  
Vol s3-106 (73) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
JOHN R. BAKER
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Golgi Apparatus ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Potassium Dichromate ◽  
Potassium Dichromate Solution ◽  
Zymogen Granules ◽  
Mouse Pancreas

The exocrine cells of the mouse pancreas were fixed in potassium dichromate solution, embedded in araldite or other suitable medium, and examined by electron microscopy. Almost every part of these cells is seriously distorted or destroyed by this fixative. The ergastoplasm is generally unrecognizable, the mitochondria and zymogen granules are seldom visible, and no sign of the plasma membrane, microvilli, or Golgi apparatus is seen. The contents of the nucleus are profoundly rearranged. It is seen to contain a large, dark, irregularly shaped, finely granular object; the evidence suggests that this consists of coagulated histone. The sole constituent of the cell that is well fixed is the inner nuclear membrane. The destructive properties of potassium dichromate are much mitigated when it is mixed in suitable proportions with osmium tetroxide or formaldehyde.

scholarly journals OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE DEVELOPING SPERMATID IN THE DOMESTIC CHICKEN

1962 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshio Nagano
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Domestic Chicken ◽  
The Other ◽  
Dense Structure ◽  
Distal Centriole

The kinetic apparatus, the acrosome and associated structures, and the manchette of the spermatid of the domestic chicken have been studied with the electron microscope. The basic structural features of the two centrioles do not change during spermiogenesis, but there is a change in orientation and length. The proximal centriole is situated in a groove at the edge of the nucleus and oriented normal to the long axis of the nucleus and at right angles to the elongate distal centriole. The tail filaments appear to originate from the distal centriole. The plasma membrane is invaginated along the tail filaments. A dense structure which appears at the deep reflection of the plasma membrane is identified as the ring. The fine structure of the ring has no resemblance to that of a centriole and there is no evidence that it is derived from or related to the centrioles. The tail of the spermatid contains nine peripheral pairs and one central pair of tubular filaments. The two members of each pair of peripheral filaments differ in density and in shape: one is dense and circular, and the other is light and semilunar in cross-section. The dense filaments have processes. A manchette consisting of fine tubules appears in the cytoplasm of the older spermatid along the nucleus, neck region, and proximal segment of the tail. The acrosome is spherical in young spermatids and becomes crescentic and, finally, U-shaped as spermiogenesis proceeds. A dense granule is observed in the cytoplasm between acrosome and nucleus. This granule later becomes a dense rod which is interpreted as the perforatorium.

Changes in the fine structure of the apical plasma membrane of endometrial epithelial cells during implantation in the rat

1982 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
C.R. Murphy ◽  
J.G. Swift ◽  
T.M. Mukherjee ◽  
A.W. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Apical Plasma Membrane ◽  
Embryonic Cells ◽  
Blastocyst Implantation ◽  
First Contact ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

In previous work we have shown that ovarian hormones, when injected into ovariectomized rats, alter the fine structure of the plasma membrane of endometrial epithelial cells. In this paper freeze-fractures have been used to study the apical plasma membrane of endometrial epithelial cells of rats during the period of blastocyst implantation of normal pregnancy. On day 1 of pregnancy there were 2354 +/− 114 intramembranous particles (IMPs) per micrometer2 of membrane. The particles were spherical and randomly distributed. On day 5 of pregnancy IMP density rose to 2899 +/− 289 per micrometer2 and some rod-shaped particles were also visible. By day 6 of pregnancy IMP density had risen to 4014 +/− 206 per micrometer2 and there were more rod-shaped IMPs than before. In addition, on day 6 IMPs were also present as rows of particles and some gap-junction-like arrays of particles were also seen. Our findings indicate that there are fine-structural alterations in the apical plasma membrane of endometrial epithelial cells, the site of first contact between maternal and embryonic cells, during the period of early pregnancy. The findings are discussed in the light of suggested mechanisms of blastocyst attachment to the uterine epithelium at implantation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document