542
Views
8
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Structure and elemental composition of pellicular warts of Euglena spirogyra (Euglenophyceae)

, &
Pages 61-69 | Accepted 17 Jun 1987, Published online: 17 Feb 2007
 

Abstract

The cellular surface of Euglena spirogyra (Ehrbg.) can be variously ornamented with mineralized protuberances termed pellicular warts. In this study using light and electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the structure and elemental composition of warts of E. spirogyra cells were analysed. The data show the warts to be tiered aggregations of mucilage-associated, predominantly iron-enriched granules that form regularly spaced mases overlying the ridges of helically arranged pellicular striae. Wart morphology, substructure and elemental composition are described and discussed in the light of their possible systematic and phylogenetic implications for their species. Some features of the wart mineralization process are also compared with similar extracellular biomineralizing events in other euglenoids.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.