Autotomy of algal flagella: electron microscope studies of Chlamydomonas (Chlorophyceae) and Tetraselmis (Prasinophyceae)

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Abstract
Autotomy of the flagella in Chlamydomonas (Chlorophyceae) and Tetraselmis (Prasinophyceae) may take less than I s to complete. In both genera it follows through similar stages. The flagellar membrane immediately distal to the transition zone detaches from the axoneme and forms a sort of brim or sleeve. At the same level, inside the axial cylinder a section of the core appears to be digested and the outer microtubules are ruptured. The flagellar membrane pinches in, detaching the flagellar shaft, and then seals over the stump as a transverse septum. At the same time, inside the base of the flagellum the upper beaker-shaped portion of the transition body changes. The mouth of the beaker narrows as the sides converge distally. These changes seem to be general, though details differ among genera and species. Underlying physiological responses and biochemical changes remain to be elucidated.