Electron Microscope Studies on Lophomonas striata with Special Reference to the Nature and Position of the Striations*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS.The flagella of Lophomonas striata are arranged in circular rows in a tuft‐like structure. Each one is continuous with a basal body located in the anterior region of the calyx. Each flagellum is limited by the surface membrane and is composed of nine double peripheral filaments and two central ones. The former continue below the surface and make up a large part of each basal body. Below and parallel to the calyx membrane are two layers of fibrils which appear to connect the basal bodies; the first is just below (250 m/x) the surface, the other is attached to the proximal ends of the basal bodies. Extending from the latter is a delicate network of fibers which gradually disappears from view as it continues in the direction of the nucleus. The calyx membrane appears continuous at the level of the basal bodies; however, below this point it seems to be made up of a series of discrete longitudinally arid obliquely arranged lamina or plates, a condition which permits direct continuity of the cytoplasm within and without the calyx. The body of Lophomonas striata is highly as well as tightly folded in its longitudinal axis and the striations or rods are clearly located on its surface; it is suggested that these are held in place by an agglutination reaction. The rods appear to divide by transverse fission and their fine structure resembles closely that reported for certain bacteria; in fact, because of this, we think they should thus be considered.