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Ultrastructure of the epidermis of adult and embryonic Paravortex species (Turbellaria, Eulecithophora)

  • Ultrastructure
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Abstract

The epidermis and associated structures of adult and embryonic Paravortex cardii and Paravortex karlingi, internal parasites of Cerastoderma edule, have been examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The cellular epidermis of adult Paravortex bears cilia and microvilli which differ in number and distribution between P. karlingi and P. cardii. Cellular organelles include mitochondria, lipid bodies, Golgi bodies, and ultrarhabdites. Epidermal nuclei are located in the proximal portion of the cells. The development of the tegument of embryo Paravortex has been described and a possible origin for the embryo capsule is suggested. These findings are discussed in relation to the phylogenetic status of the Turbellaria in relation to other Platyhelminthes and in the functional adaptation of the epidermis for a parasitic mode of life.

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Abbreviations

bb-:

basal bodies

bl-:

basal lamella

c-:

cilia

cp-:

capsule

dc-:

dark cells

e-:

embryos

ep-:

epidermis

g-:

Golgi bodies

int-:

interdigitation (of cells)

l-:

lipid

lf-:

lamellar fold

mc-:

migrating cell

mf-:

membranous folds

mt-:

mitochondria

mv-:

microvilli

n-:

nucleus

nb-:

neoblasts

p-:

projections of epidermis

par-:

parenchyma of mother

pr-:

primary rootlet

rc-:

rhabditogen cells

sr-:

secondary rootlet

ur-:

ultrarhabdites

vt-:

vitelline material

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Biology, Univ. of New Brunswick Fredericton, N.B., Canada

    Barbara M. MacKinnon & Michael D. B. Burt

  2. Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland

    Alan W. Pike

Authors
  1. Barbara M. MacKinnon
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  2. Michael D. B. Burt
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  3. Alan W. Pike
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MacKinnon, B.M., Burt, M.D.B. & Pike, A.W. Ultrastructure of the epidermis of adult and embryonic Paravortex species (Turbellaria, Eulecithophora). Hydrobiologia 84, 241–252 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026186

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