Open AccessStructural color in Myxomycetes
Author(s) -
Marina E. Inchaussandague,
Diana C. Skigin,
Cecilia Cristina Carmarán,
Sonia Rosenfeldt
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.016055
Subject(s) - chromaticity , optics , materials science , spore , structural coloration , layer (electronics) , planar , transmission electron microscopy , biology , botany , physics , composite material , computer science , photonic crystal , computer graphics (images)
In this paper we report evidence of structural color in Myxomycetes, a group of eukaryotic microorganisms with an uncertain taxonomic position. We investigated the Diachea leucopoda, which belongs to the Physarales order, Myxomycetes class, and found that its peridium -protective layer that encloses the mass of spores- is basically a corrugated layer of a transparent material, which produces a multicolored pointillistic effect, characteristic of this species. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy techniques have been employed to characterize the samples. A simple optical model of a planar slab is proposed to calculate the reflectance. The chromaticity coordinates are obtained, and the results confirm that the color observed is a result of an interference effect.