The zoospore of Rozella allomycis: ultrastructure

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Abstract
The small (about 2 × 3.5 μm) zoospore of the obligately parasitic chytrid Rozella allomycis provides yet another ultrastructural variation on the basic pattern of posteriorly uniflagellate fungal zoospores. This zoospore contains the expected array of organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, "lipid sac" (including lipid globules, a microbody, and a backing membrane), kinetosome, and second centriole. Ribosomes are dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. In the disposition of its microbody Rozella resembles other chytrids, whereas in the occurrence and location of its gamma-like vacuoles it resembles certain blastocladialean fungi. Above all, the zoospore resembles that of Olpidium brassicae. Structural peculiarities of the zoospore include (i) bilateral symmetry; (ii) a helmet-shaped nucleus with extensive membranous projections which surmounts a large, spheroidal mitochondrion; and (iii) a particularly elongate cell shape because of the unusual length (about 1 μm) of the kinetosome and the presence of a 1-μm-long flagellar cavity which surrounds the base of the flagellum. Cytoskeletal elements include cytoplasmic microtubules, microfilaments which mainly reinforce the flagellar cavity, and props which anchor the kinetosome in the plasmalemma at the roof of the flagellar cavity. The role of these elements is discussed. A revision of the description of the olpidiaceous zoospore is suggested.

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