Septal Ultrastructure in the Ascobolaceae (Pezizales, Discomycetes)

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Abstract
Septal structures of asci, ascogenous hyphae, paraphyses, and excipular cells in the apothecia of six species of Ascobolus, two of Saccobolus, one of Thecotheus, and two of Iodophanus were characterized and assessed for taxonomic value. An electron-opaque, hemispherical structure recognized as the ascoboloid septal type was found in ascal septa of the representatives of Ascobolus, Saccobolus, and Thecotheus. A biconvex band that we recognize as the pezizoid septal type was found in ascal and ascogenous septa of Iodophanus spp. Iodophanus is considered a member of the Pezizaceae based on septal structure and correlated with other microscopic and microchemical features. All genera examined had similar striated bands within septal pores of somatic tissue typical of the type previously described in Peziza.