Ref ID : 4759
M.S. Ruiz and R. Anadon; The Cortex and Associated Structures of the Peritrich Ciliate Opercularia coarctata Claparede and Lachmann. A Light and Electron Microscopical Study. Arch.Protistenk 136:249-261, 1988
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This study of Opercularia coarctata shows the existence of a very regular alveolated pattern over most the ciliate pellicle. These alveoli are independent cavities separated by conspicuous crests supported by a microtubular element. The alveoli are pierced by pellicular pores and its inner membrane shows vesiculation processes. A bilayered epiplasm underlies the alveoli. The pellicle is related by fibrillar elements to linkage complexes of myonemes. In the trophont the aboral infraciliary girdle is composed of single and paired kinetosomes loosely related to both the pellicle and myonemes. Immature swarmers have a widened aboral girdle in which two systems of fibres become appreciable. A little kinetosomal field with very reduced cilia is present in the scopula of this species. The stalk produced by these scopula is uncomplicated. The cortical structure of the Peritrichs are discussed in the light of the present results.