The Ultrastructure of Specimens of Paramecium multimicronucleatum Impregnated with Silver by the Fernández‐Galiano Method1

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Abstract
Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of specimens of Paramecium multimicronucleatum treated with the Rio‐Hortega silver‐impregnation method as modified by Fernández‐Galiano demonstrate that considerable deposition of silver occurs around the kinetosomes, especially at the level of the basal plate and also at the proximal end of the kinetosome. In addition, silver is heavily deposited within the kinetodesmal fibers, in the fibrous matrix that surrounds the postciliary and transverse microtubules, in the connective structures observed between the two kinetosomes of a pair and between the kinetodesmal fiber and the anterior kinetosome, and in the trichocysts. Differences and similarities in sites of deposit when other methods of silver impregnation are employed are discussed and the particular value of the present technique in studies of ciliate systematics and phytogeny is stressed.