ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Flagellar apparatus
;
Connecting fibres
;
Flagellar replication
;
Numbering system of flagella
;
Prasinophyceae
;
Pyramimonas
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The flagellar apparatus of the octoflagellate prasinophytePyramimonas octopus has been examined in detail. While basal bodies of biflagellate green algae typically are interconnected by a proximal and distal fibre, the eight flagella ofPyramimonas octopus are joined together by at least 60 fibrillar structures, in this respect the most complex algal cell examined so far. The flagellar apparatus is asymmetrical, but part of it shows 180 degress rotational symmetry. We have detected 9 thick connecting fibres, c. 45 thinner fibres, 6 proximal fibres, one of which associates with only one basal body, and a large synistosome. Four 3-stranded microtubular roots are present, one of which associates with a cross-banded fibre leading to the aperture of the scale reservoir. Six rhizoplasts have been seen, but 8 are probably present. The association of each root and connecting fibre to individual (numbered) triplets of the basal bodies is described. The basal body system has been followed during flagellar replication. Newly formed flagella occupy different positions in the cell during 3 cell generations, but finally in the fourth generation end in the same central position near the nucleus. Based on the observed changes in position during successive generations, a numbering system for flagella in general is proposed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01403990
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