Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the ultrastructural morphology of some other symbiotic prokaryotes of Joenia annectens, an intestinal flagellate of the termite Kalotermes flavicollis. Three morphotypes are predominant and recognizable from their morphological characteristics. One morphotype is represented by spirochaetes that are mainly external and cover the flagellate, helping its movement. Rod-shaped bacteria, which represent the second morphotype, are also attached to the surface among the spirochaetes. Rod-shaped bacteria and some spirochaetes may enter the cell surface of Joenia annectens as a consequence of phagocytosis, remaining enclosed in an envelope of plasma membrane. A nutritive role of rod-shaped bacteria in this symbiotic association is suggested. A third, different morphotype of prokaryotes is represented by roundish microorganisms which, gathered together with other cytoplasmic organules, form a large collar, encircling the axostyle; their function is still unknown.
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