Electron microscopic studies on protozoa. II. Studies on Trichomonas muris.

Abstract

Ultrastructures of organellae of Trichomonas muris elucidate by the current studies were as follows:1) Axostyle. This is a roll made of a membrane having transverse stria-tions. This roll has a logitudinal seam where the brims of the membrane are overlapped at the posterior part of the axostyle. This membrane or the wall of the axostyle is unrolled gradually as it approches to the nucleus at which level, it is completely opened to make a concavity like a spoon. It extends further upwards to the anterior proximity of the cell making another shallower concavity anterior to the nucleus. It is curved spirally a little and anticlockwise when seen from the top. The posterior part of the axostyle curves opposite to the costa.2) Costa. The costa has a comb-like structure with transvers striations of clear and dark zones. It looks like to be fairly stiff and may serve as a supporting structure of the body. The undulating membrane is connected with this organelle by minute fibrils. These aspects also suggest the possibility of the costa to support the fixation of the undulating membrane.3) Undulating membrane. This is consisted of posterior flagellum, un-dulating membrane proper and a membrane enveloping these structures. The undulating membrane proper is composed of lamellae arranged transversely to the long axis of the membrane. These lamellae are tightly contact each other and connected to the costa with minute fibrils as stated above.4) The parabasal body. This is a structure similar to Golgi apparatus and is connected to the base of the costa with a ribbon-like structure, the parabasal filament.5) Cabbage-like bodies. These are found in the protoplasm. Their nature and function were not elucidated.6) Ultrastructures of flagella are the quite same with those of other animals. It may be characteristic that at the base of flagellum there are several electron-dense minute granules.7) Hook-shaped bodies, six in number, are seen near the anterior end of the body, having one leg putting on the inner surface of the axostyle. These bodies may be connecting flagella and costa to the axostyle.8) Nuclear cloud around the nucleus and chromatic rings arround the axostyle have the same structure and are actually the endoplasmic reticulum.