Summary
The rectal ridge of Biomphalaria glabrata is covered by a single layer of epithelium which includes cells with microvilli, ciliated cells, and goblet cells. Based on their ultrastructure, it is postulated that the cells bearing microvilli are involved in the transport of materials into and out of the organism. The underlying loose vascular connective tissue contains, among other components, large pigment cells which contain microtubule-like structures within cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum. These microtubule-like structures occur in either a dispersed or a condensed configuration. The two configurations may represent different stages of protein synthesis or they may be entirely different organelles.
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References
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Supported by a grant (INCRA-193) from the International Copper Research Association, Inc.
The authors wish to thank Mr. John A. Sullivan for constructing the critical point drying apparatus used in this study.
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Sullivan, J.T., Rodrick, G.E. & Cheng, T.C. A transmission and scanning electron microscopical study of the rectal ridge of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Pulmonata). Cell Tissue Res. 154, 29–38 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221069
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221069