Ascocarp ultrastructure of Herpomyces sp. (Laboulbeniales) and its phylogenetic implications

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Abstract
The asci of Herpomyces sp. (Laboulbeniales) compose a parenchyma tissue produced by progressive cleavage of 3 or 4 meristematic ascogenous cells attached in the base of the ascocarp. Ascospores are delimited by membranes derived from an ascus vesicle and the spore wall forms between paired prospore membranes. Dilated cisternae and epiplasmic membranes are associated with wall formation. While ascospores are developing, asci are displaced apically and their passage lubricated by a matrix secreted by the peridial cells. The presence of an ascomycetous spindle pole body, septal pore with Woronin bodies, ascus vesicle and dilated Golgi-like cisternae indicates a close relationship between Herpomyces sp. and the filamentous Ascomycetes while providing no support for theories maintaining a close relationship between Laboulbeniales and the red algae.