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Fine Structural Observations on the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) of Xenoturbella bocki Westblad, 1949
Author(s) -
Pedersen Knud Jørgen,
Pedersen Lars Ryde
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.1986.tb00854.x
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , biology , basal lamina , anatomy , basement membrane , ultrastructure , matrix (chemical analysis) , parenchyma , connective tissue , anchoring fibrils , mesoderm , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , botany , genetics , chromatography , biochemistry , embryonic stem cell , gene
Abstract Fine structural observations on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and connective tissue system of the enigmatic vermiform animal Xenoturbella bocki have demonstrated a complex and interesting organization of the ECM. Most conspicuous is the subepidermal membrane complex (SMC), and the major part of the ECM is present in this structure, which consists of a limiting basal lamina on each side of a central thick filamentous layer, probably of a collagenous nature. Distinct anchoring filaments are found as part of the SMC. A basal lamina is also observed in connection with the gastrodermal cells. The mesoderm is represented by a loose, ill‐defined parenchyma, without filaments. The SMC is discussed in relation to subepidermal basal matrices occurring in turbellarians and enteropneusts, the two groups to which a relationship to Xenoturbella previously has been suggested. Comparisons between the ECM in Xenoturbella and in turbellarians do not support the notion of a relationship between these groups. Conversely, the present study strengthens previous indications of distinct similarities between certain characteristics of the epidermis and the SMC present in both enteropneusts and in Xenoturbella.