Electron Microscopical Observations on the Extracellular Structures of the Resting Cyst of Blepharisma stoltei

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Electron microscopical observations on the extracellular structures of the resting cyst of Blepharisma stoltei are reported. The outer cyst wall consists of closely knitted fibrils and has an average thickness of 0.46 [mu]. Bacteria have been observed adhering to the outer wall. Pocket-like structures are found randomly on the inside of the outer wall. Between the 2 cyst walls is found an area of woven fibrils. The inner wall consists of 3 layers and has an average thickness of 1 [mu]. The plug is composed of a homogeneous material and is almost conical in structure. A small thin layer of plug material continues around the encysted organism as the innermost layer of the inner wall. The cytochemical nature of the extracellular material is also considered. The structure, function, and origins of these extracellular structures are discussed.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: