The fine structure of ascus development in Lasiobolus monascus (Pezizales)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies on the ascus of Lasiobolus monascus are presented. Apothecia in various stages of development were obtained in culture and prepared for both light and electron microscopic observations. Ultrathin sections for electron microscopic inspection were often treated with silver methenamine to enhance wall characteristics. Ascus development was followed from fertilization to maturity.In this species, the ascogonium enlarges after fertilization to become the ascus mother cell. Two pores are present in the young ascus, one connecting it to the antheridium and another between the ascus and stalk cell. The ultrastructural features of these pores in the young and maturing ascus are described. During ascus enlargement, as many as four wall layers are found when poststained with silver methenamine. Only two layers are clearly distinguishable when poststained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. The apical zone of dehiscence is characterized by a distinct annular swelling which appears during early ascosporogenesis. By spore maturation, this swelling is not evident either at the light or electron microscopic level. Instead, there appear to be both physical and chemical changes in the area of dehiscence. The wall is distinctly thinner and much more electron transparent in the area of dehiscence when treated with silver methanamine.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: