ISSN:
1615-6102
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary A survey of 37 taxa of chlorophytes has been undertaken employing the electron microscope and complimented with a cytochemical analysis of staining with diaminobenzidine (DAB) to determine the fine structure and distribution of algal microbodies. The microbodies in a variety of algal cell types revealed distinct morphological features that are commonly identified with many animal and vascular plant microbodies. The organelle is roughly spherical, sometimes elongate, delimited by a single membrane, and in many instances, continuities of its membrane with the membrane of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are observed. The microbody matrix is usually moderately electron-opaque which, in most cases, lacks a nucleoid or paracrystalline core. Usually, but not invariably, the size of algal microbodies ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 μm in diameter. The number of microbodies within a cell varies greatly among the different species examined. There are large numbers in some species; in others microbodies are common, few or rare. Close spatial association may occur between microbodies, ER and lipid bodies, and between mitochondria, chloroplasts and microbodies. The cytochemical demonstration of catalase activity, a specific enzyme marker for the organelle in other organisms, is described for microbodies in autotrophically cultured green algae. The reliability of the DAB reaction in establishing equivalence for algal microbodies is discussed in relation to presently available information.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01282559
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