Ref ID : 4092
Lula L. Hilenski and Patricia L. Walne; Ultrastructure of Mucocysts in Peranema trichophorum (Euglenophyceae). J.Protozool. 30(3):491-496, 1983
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The "mucigenic" or "muciferous" bodies of Peranema trichophorum are further characterized here as unique extrusive organelles, the mucocysts. Intracellular and ejected mucocysts have characteristic shapes that may represent different developmental stages. Mucocysts found near the Golgi apparatus are membrane-bounded, elongate, tubular structures with amorphous contents of low electron density. Subpellicular mucocysts are often aligned with pellicular striae and have dense contents, which are separated by an electron-lucent zone from granular material at the tips. Ejected mucocysts are uniform in structure and consist of an inner tube with helical striations, an outer tube with a diamond-shaped pattern, and a dense middle band. Fine fibrils, visible only after mucocyst discharge, emanate from the tips. Mucocysts may also protrude through the pellicle and discharge mucilaginous materials into the medium. Acid phosphatase activity is localized within the subpellicular mucocysts, suggesting that they may be involved in release of hydrolytic enzymes into the medium.