Procentrioles in ciliating and ciliated cells of chick trachea.

Abstract

Electron microscopy of 16 to 18 day old chick tracheas revealed that procentrioles are present near the basal ends of the recently matured centrioles and basal bodies of both ciliating and ciliated cells. Cylinders 0.1 μ in outside diameter in which densely staining walls and a central axial filament can often be detected, are present between the mature centrioles and these procentrioles. These cylinders although somewhat shorter are morphologically similar to those found earlier in the same cells in the center of procentriole clusters. So far, only one procentriole has been found in association with each cylinder and only one cylinder in association with each mature centriole or basal body. Procentrioles up to 0.18 μ in length including some with singlet microtubules in their walls have been detected. Serial sectioning indicated that in some cells up to 8% of the mature centrioles and basal bodies were associated with a cylinder and a distinct procentriole. If these procentrioles were to mature they could provide additional basal bodies for cilia after the initial wave of centriole assembly and maturation has been completed.