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The ultrastructure of fertilization inChlamydomonas Moewusii

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Summary

The fine structure of fertilization inChlamydomonas moewusii has been examined. A network of endoplasmic reticulum extending from the nucleus to an electron dense body in the anterior papilla of the cell is described. The initial contact of gamete cells occurs at the flagellar tips. A spiralization of the paired flagella results in the juxtapositioning of the cell bodies allowing papillar fusion. A bridge containing fibrous material is formed and joins the cells as avis a vis pair. Elements of ER extending from the nucleus project into the bridge and fuse thereby establishing continuity between the outer nuclear membranes. Six to eight hours after the formation of pairs, the cytoplasmic bridge broadens and plasmogamy continues. Two to three hours after the onset of plasmogamy the gamete nuclei approach by a shortening of the common ER network. The outer nuclear membranes contact, followed by contact and fusion of the inner nuclear membranes. Nucleoli are persistent throughout fertilization and appear to fuse following karyogamy.

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  1. Richard E. Triemer

    Present address: Department of Botany, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

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  1. Department of Botany, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    R. Malcolm Brown Jr.

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  1. Richard E. Triemer
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  2. R. Malcolm Brown Jr.
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Triemer, R.E., Brown, R.M. The ultrastructure of fertilization inChlamydomonas Moewusii . Protoplasma 84, 315–325 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279360

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279360

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