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An Electron Microscope Study of the Amoebo‐flagellate, Naegleria gruberi (Schardinger). I. The Amoeboid and Flagellate Stages *
Author(s) -
SCHUSTER FREDERICK
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
the journal of protozoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 0022-3921
DOI - 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1963.tb01681.x
Subject(s) - flagellate , biology , naegleria , ultrastructure , amoeba (genus) , cytoplasm , endoplasmic reticulum , golgi apparatus , flagellum , microbiology and biotechnology , contractile vacuole , anatomy , vacuole , protozoa , botany , biochemistry , gene
SYNOPSIS. Axenic and monobacterial cultures were utilized to study the ultrastructure of the amoeboid and flagellate stages in the life‐cycle of Naegleria gruberi. The cytoplasm of the amoeboid stage is poor in electron‐dense components; a loosely organized endoplasmic reticulum is present. The absence of cytoplasmic inclusions in the ectoplasm is the only detectable difference between it and the endoplasm. The nucleus of Naegleria is typically vesicular. The mitochondria are of the type commonly found in protozoa. Food and contractile vacuoles are described. No Golgi apparatus has been found. The general ultrastructure of the flagellate resembles that of the amoeba. The kinetic apparatus consists of flagella and their associated kinetosomes, a “spur” made up of isodiametric fibrils (14 mμ in diameter) attaching to the base of the kinetosome, a cross‐striated rhizoplast, and thin‐walled fibrils (22 mμ in diameter) with a center of attachment in the kinetosomal complex. Neither centrioles nor kinetosomes have been found in the amoeba. Complex arrangements of endoplasmic reticulum have been seen in the cytoplasm of transforming individuals which may be points of origin of the kinetosomes and/or flagella. The nuclei in metamorphosing individuals frequently show unusual plasticity. Some speculations on possible orgins and affinities of Naegleria are included.