The ultrastructure of plasmodesmata in the filamentous green alga, Bulbochaete hiloensis (Nordst.) tiffany

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Abstract
The ultrastructure of the plasmodesmata found in the green alga Bulbochaete hiloensis has been examined by electron microscopy of ultra-thin sections. Unlike most other plasmodesmata that have been described recently, there are no internal components such as a desmotubule or a derivative of the endoplasmic reticulum. Each plasmodesma consists of a cylindrical connection between the plasma membranes of adjacent cells. The cylinder is constricted at each end to orifices which may be less than 100 Å in diameter. Within the cylinder the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane is lined with material probably consisting of helically arranged particles. The lumen here is 400–450 Å in diameter. The observations are discussed in relation to possible functions in intercellular transport.