FINE STRUCTURE OF THE MALE AND FEMALE GAMETES OF ATRACTOMORPHA PORCATA (SPHAEROPLEACFAE,CHLOROPHYTA) WITH EMPHASIS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND ABSOLUTE CONFIGURATION OF THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS1

Gametogenesis in Atractomorpha porcata Hoffman was initiated b the synchronous mitotic division of nuclei within a multinucleate gametangium. Uninucleate gametes were subsequently produced following two series of cytokinetic divisions. The first series involved the formation of phycoplast microtubules (phycoplastic cytokinesis), whereas the second series did not (nonphycoplastic cytokinesis). Centrioles were connected by a rudimentary striated distal fiber by the time they migrated to the planes of division preceding the first series of cytokinetic division. These first divisions produced binucleate gametocytes. A well-developed flagellar apparatus lay near the cell surface in close proximity to each nucleus of the gametocyte prior to the second series of cytokinetic divisions that produced the uninucleate gametes. As seen in apical view, the paired basal bodies were directly opposed, with no lateral displacement of their longitudinal axes. In lateral view, the paired basal bodies diverged from one another at an angle of 130–180° (female) or 170–180° (male) and were connected by an arched, distal striated fiber about 670–750 nm long and 600 nm at its widest part. Four electron-opaque, pyramid-shaped lateral bodies flanked the basal bodies in close contact with their undersurfaces. The flagellar roots demonstrated a cruciate arrangement, with s = 6–9 over 1 (female gametes) or 7–10 over 1 (male gametes) microtubules and d= 2 microtubules. In male gametes, one of the multistranded roots was located close to the eyespot, and a second system of cytoskeletal microtubules was detected internally. Based on gamete ultrastructure, Atractomorpha porcata appears to be the most undifferentiated member of the genus.     

ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS ON THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF BRYOPSIS MAXIMA (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The flagellar apparatus in male gametes of the siphonaceous green alga, Bryopsis maxima Okamura, was studied and compared with that of other green biflagellate cells. The proximal portions of two basal bodies are connected by a single striated proximal band, unique among the biflagellate reproductive cells of green algae studied. Anterior to the flagellar bases is a pair of distal bands different from the single structure in other biflagellate cells. These bands which arise from the distal portion of each basal body, extend upward in the papilla and curve down toward the lower edges of the basal bodies. They seem to have no direct association with each other. Two pairs of distinct flagellar roots, one consisting of 3–5 microtubules and the other of a partially striated fiber of undetermined numbers of microtubules, diverge from the basal body region and extend towards the cell posterior. Their component microtubules are disorganized into single or smaller groups midway over the cell length. The uniqueness of the flagellar apparatus is briefly discussed.     

COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS. III. FREEZE SUBSTITUTION OF AMPHIDINIUM RHYNCHOCEPHALUM1

The flagellar apparatus of the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium rhynchocephalum Anissimowa was examined using the techniques of rapid freezing/freeze substitution and serial thin section three dimensional reconstruction. The flagellar apparatus is composed of two basal bodies that are offset from one another and lie at an angle of approximately 150° The transverse basal body is associated with two individual microtubules that extend from the proximal end of the basal body toward the flagellar opening. One of these microtubules is closely appressed to a striated fibrous root that also extends from the proximal base of the transverse basal body. The longitudinal basal body is associated with a nine member microtubular root that extends from the proximal end of the basal body toward the posterior of the cell. The longitudinal microtubular root and the transverse striated fiber are connected by a striated connective fiber. In addition to the microtubules associated with the transverse and longitudinal basal bodies, a group of microtubules originates adjacent to one of the transverse flagellar roots and extends into the cytoplasm. Vesicular channels extend from the flagellar openings to the region of the basal bodies where they expand to encompass the various connective structures of the flagellar apparatus. The possible function and evolutionary importance of these structures is discussed.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE FLAGELLA OF THE COLORLESS PHAGOTROPH PERANEMA TRICHOPHORUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE).II. FLAGELLAR ROOTS1

Peranema trichophorum (Ehrenberg) Stein, a colorless phagotrophic euglenoid flagellate, has a typically euglenoid microtubular root complement. Striated root components, relatively uncommon in euglenoids, are connected to the basal bodies and to a microtubular root. The flagellar system of Peranema consists of three unequal microtubular roots which extend anteriorly beneath the reservoir membrane, and narrow-band striated roots (periodicity = 29–33 nm) which connect one of the four basal bodies to the movable rodorgan of the feeding apparatus. An inter basal body striated fiber forms a three-way connection between one particular microtubular root, a flagellar basal body, and the striated roots. A striated fibril (periodicity = 18–25 nm), which may be an extension of the striated root system, extends beneath the reservoir membrane. Associated with the striated fibril and the striated roots are cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.     

THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF CHILOMONAS PARAMECIUM (CRYPTOPHYCEAE) AND ITS COMPARISON WITH CERTAIN ZOOFLAGELLATES1

The major components of the internal flagellar apparatus of Chilomonas paramecium Ehr. are two large microtubular roots and a striated root paralleled by three microtubules. The two microtubular roots overlap at the basal bodies. One microtubular root follows a curved path in the anterior of the cell, and the other extends straight to the posterior passing through a groove in the nucleus. The striated root extends laterally from the basal bodies. Except that it is smaller, the posteriorly directed root bears a strong resemblance to the axostyle of oxymonads. The overall arrangement and structure of the flagellar roots is similar to the pelta, axostyle and costa of trichomonads and the pelta and axostyle of oxymonads, groups of mitochondrion-less, largely parasitic or symbiotic protozoans. An affinity between cryptomonads and oxymonads or trichomonads would have many phylogenetic implications, some of which are discussed.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF PYROBOTRYS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The flagellar apparatus of Pyrobotrys has a number of features that are typical of the Chlorophyceae, but others that are unusual for this class. The two flagella are inserted at the apex, but they extend to the side of the cell toward the outside of the colony, here designated as the ventral side. Four basal bodies are present, two of which extend into flagella. Four microtubular rootlets alternate between the functional and accessory basal bodies. In each cell, the two ventral rootlets are nearly parallel, but the dorsal rootlets are more widely divergent. The rootlets alternate between two and four microtubules each. A striated distal fiber connects the two functional basal bodies in the plane of the flagella. Two additional, apparently nonstriated, fibers connect the basal bodies proximal to the distal fiber. Another striated fiber is associated with each four-membered rootlet near its insertion into the flagellar apparatus. A fine periodic component is associated with each two-membered rootlet. A rhizoplast-like structure extends into the cell from each of the functional basal bodies. The arrangement of these components does not reflect the 180° rotational symmetry that is usually present in the Chlorophyceae, but appears to be derived from a more symmetrical ancestor. It is suggested that the form of the flagellar apparatus is associated with the unusual colony structure of Pyrobotrys.     

ENTOSIPHON SULCATUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE): FLAGELLAR ROOTS OF THE BASAL BODY COMPLEX AND RESERVOIR REGION1,2

The flagellar root system of Entosiphon sulcatum (Dujardin) Stein (Euglenophyceae) is described and compared with kinetoplastid and other euglenoid systems. An asymmetric pattern of three microtubular roots, one between the two flagellar basal bodies and one on either side (here called the intermediate, dorsal, and ventral roots), is consistent within the euglenoid flagellates studied thus far. The dorsal root is associated with the basal body of the anterior flagellum (F₁) and lies on the left dorsal side of the basal body complex. Originating between the two flagellar basal bodies, and associated with the basal body of the trailing flagellum (F₂), the intermediate root is morphologically distinguished by fibrils interconnecting the individual microtubules to one another and to the over lying reservoir membrane. The intermediate root is often borne on a ridge projecting into the reservoir. The ventral root originates near the F₂ basal body and lies on the right ventral side of the cell. Fibrillar connections link the membrane of F₂ with the reservoir membrane at the reservoircanal transition level. A large cross-banded fiber joins the two flagellar basal bodies, and a series of smaller striated fibers links the anterior accessory and flagellar basal bodies. Large nonstriated fibers extend from the basal body complex posteriorly into the cytoplasm.     

SOMATIC CELL FLAGELLAR APPARATUSES IN TWO SPECIES OF VOLVOX (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The somatic cell flagellar apparatuses of Volvox carteri f. weismannia (Powers) Iyengar and V. rousseletii G. S. West have parallel or nearly parallel basal bodies which are separated at their proximal ends. The four microtubular rootlets alternate between two and four members, and all are associated with a striated microtubular associated component (SMAC) that runs between the basal bodies. In addition, each half of the flagellar apparatus apparently rotates during development and loses the 180° rotational symmetry characteristic of most unicellular chlorophycean motile cells. All of these features appear necessary for efficient motion of a colony composed of numerous radially arranged cells. However, the structural details of the flagellar apparatuses of these two species differ. The distance between flagella is greater in V. rousseletii than in V. carteri. One distal striated fiber and two proximal striated fibers connect the basal bodies in V. carteri, but both types of fibers are absent from V. rousseletii. In the latter species, a striated fiber wraps around each of the basal bodies and attaches to the rootlets and the SMAC. No such fiber is present in V. carteri. Since the similarities in the flagellar apparatuses can be explained as a result of adaptation for efficient colonial motion in organisms with similar colonial morphology, the differences suggest a wider phylogenetic distance than previously believed.     

ENTOSIPHON SULCATUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE): FLAGELLAR ROOTS OF THE BASAL BODY COMPLEX AND RESERVOIR REGION1,2

The flagellar root system of Entosiphon sulcatum (Dujardin) Stein (Euglenophyceae) is described and compared with kinetoplastid and other euglenoid systems. An asymmetric pattern of three microtubular roots, one between the two flagellar basal bodies and one on either side (here called the intermediate, dorsal, and ventral roots), is consistent within the euglenoid flagellates studied thus far. The dorsal root is associated with the basal body of the anterior flagellum (F₁) and lies on the left dorsal side of the basal body complex. Originating between the two flagellar basal bodies, and associated with the basal body of the trailing flagellum (F₂), the intermediate root is morphologically distinguished by fibrils interconnecting the individual microtubules to one another and to the overlying reservoir membrane. The intermediate root is often borne on a ridge projecting into the reservoir. The ventral root originates near the F₂ basal body and lies on the right ventral side of the cell. Fibrillar connections link the membrane of F₂ with the reservoir membrane at the reservoir-canal transition level. A large cross-banded fiber joins the two flagellar basal bodies, and a series of smaller striated fibers links the anterior accessory and flagellar basal bodies. Large nonstriated fibers extend from the basal body complex posteriorly into the cytoplasm.     

MALE GAMETES OF ATRACTOMORPHA ECHINATA HOFFMAN (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

Many naked gametes are produced in each fusiform, male gametangium of Atractomorpha echinata Hoffman and are liberated through irregularly shaped pores in the gametangial wall. They are typically biflagellate, pyriform or fusiform in shape, 6-11 μm long, and only a few micrometers wide. A mature male gamete is characterized by: (i) a nucleus with condensed chromatin and no nucleoli, (ii) a reduced, starch filled chloroplast occupying a posterior position, and (iii) a cup shaped eyespot consisting of a single layer of plastoglobuli. The flagellar apparatus includes two types of flagellar roots alternating in a cruciate pattern. One type consists of two microtubules, while the other consists of microtubules of varying number, usually eight or nine, but rarely as many as eleven. The paired basal bodies are connected anteriorly by a broad, striated distal fiber; there is no dense apical cap as reported in Sphaeroplea sperm. A unique structure, consisting of three layers of small subunits (6–8 nm diameter) arranged in a paracrystalline array, is positioned beneath each basal body. Based on the structure of its male gametes, Atractomorpha clearly demonstrates affinity with the chlorophycean rather than the ulvaphycean line of evolution. Moreover, if phylogenetic affinities for the Sphaeropleaceae are to be sought among other groups of green algae, the Chlorococcales appears the most promising candidate.     

THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF ENTOCLADIA VIRIDIS MOTILE CELLS,AND THE TAXONOMIC POSITION OF THE RESURRECTED FAMILY ULVELLACEAE (ULVALES,CHLOROPHYTA)1

The flagellar apparatuses of the quadriflagellate zoo-spores and biflagellate female gametes of the marine chaetophoracean alga Entocladia viridis Reinke are significantly different from those of algae belonging to Chaetophoraceae sensu stricto, but closely resemble those of ulvacean genera. These differences permit the taxonomic reassignment of certain marine chaetophoracean genera and an evaluation of the flagellar apparatus features used to characterize the class Ulvophyceae. Critical features of the zoospore include arrangement of the four basal bodies into an upper and a lower pair with the proximal ends of the upper basal bodies overlapping, terminal caps, proximal sheaths connected to one another by striated bands, and a cruciate microtubular rootlet system having a 3-2–3-2 alternation pattern and striated microtubule-associated components that accompany the two-membered rootlets. An indistinct distal fiber occurs just anterior to the basal bodies, and is closely associated with the insertion into the flagellar apparatus of the three-membered rootlets. The flagellar apparatus demonstrates 180° rotational symmetry, and its components show counterclockwise absolute orientation when viewed from above. Newly described features include the prominently bilobed structure of the terminal caps on the upper basal body pair, and the presence of both a granular zone and an additional single microtubule anterior to each of the four rootlets, an arrangement termed the “stacked rootlet configuration.” Rhizoplasts were not observed and are presumed to be absent. The gamete is identical, except for the absence of the lower basal body pair and the presence of an electron-dense membrane associated structure that resembles the mating structure found in Ulva gametes. These findings, correlated with life history data, sporangial and gametangial structure and developmental patterns, chloroplast pigment arrays, and vegetative cell ultrastructural features, compel the removal of Entocladia viridis and similar members of the marine Chaetophoraceae to a separate family, the Ulvellaceae. The latter is referred to the order Ulvales of the Ulvophyceae. The counterclockwise absolute orientation of components, and terminal caps, may be the most consistent flagellar apparatus features of ulvophycean green algae, while variations in other features previously considered diagnostic for the Ulvophyceae may serve instead to identify discrete lineages within this class.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE BASAL BODY COMPLEX AND PUTATIVE VESTIGIAL FEEDING APPARATUS IN PHACUS PLEURONECTES (EUGLENOPHYCEAE)

Phacus pleuronectes (O. F. Müller) Dujardin is a phototrophic euglenoid with small discoid chloroplasts, a flat rigid body, and longitudinally arranged pellicular strips. The flagellar apparatus consisted of two basal bodies and three flagellar roots typical of many phototrophic euglenoids but also had a large striated fiber that connected the two basal bodies and associated with the ventral root. The three roots, in combination with the dorsal microtubular band, extended anteriorly and formed the major cytoskeletal elements supporting the reservoir membrane and ultimately the pellicle. A cytoplasmic pocket arose in the reservoir/canal transition region. It was supported by the ventral root and a C-shaped band of electron-opaque material that lined the cytoplasmic side of the pocket. A large striated fiber extended from this C-shaped band toward the reservoir membrane. The striated fibers in the basal apparatus and associated with the microtubule-reinforced pocket in P. pleuronecte s appear to be similar to those of the phagotrophic euglenoids.     

COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS. I. WOLOSZYNSKIA SP.1

The three-dimensional structure of the flagellar apparatus in Woloszynskia sp. was determined. This recently discovered dinoflagellate possesses two basal bodies that are offset from one another and lie at an angle of approximately 110°. The transverse basal body is associated with a striated fibrous root assemblage that consists of two differently staining fibrous portions with identical striation periodicity. Unlike the transverse striated fibrous roots reported in other dinoflagellates, this assemblage extends to the cell's right beyond the proximal end of the transverse basal body. The striated fibrous root complex is attached to the anterior end of the longitudinal microtubular root by a broad striated fibrous connective. The longitudinal basal body is also associated with the longitudinal microtubular root. The flagellar opening of each emerging axoneme is surrounded by a striated collar. The striated collars are linked to one another by a striated fibrous, striated collar connective. The variations and similarities of the flagellar apparatus and the ventral ridge/striated collar connective in Woloszynskia sp. are compared to similar components in other dinoflagellates.     

Three‐dimensional organization of flagellar basal apparatus in Ectocarpus gametes

The flagellar basal apparatus of the brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus was re‐investigated in details using transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. As a result, three‐dimensional structures with spatial arrangement of bands and microtubular flagellar rootlets were observed. Fibrous structures linking the anterior flagellar basal body to the major anterior rootlet (R3) or the bypassing rootlet was newly discovered in this study. A direct attachment from the minor anterior rootlet (R4) to the anterior and posterior basal bodies was also discovered, as were attachments from the minor posterior rootlet (R1) to the deltoid striated band and from the major posterior rootlet (R2) to the posterior fibrous band. The microtubular flagellar rootlets were connected to the bands and to the anterior or posterior basal body. These bands may have a role in maintaining the spatial arrangement of the anterior and posterior flagellar basal bodies and the microtubular flagellar rootlets. A numbering system of the basal body triplets was established by tracing axonemal doublets in the serial sections. From these observations, the precise position of two flagellar basal bodies, bands, and flagellar rootlets was determined.     

THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF THE ZOOSPORE OF UROSPORA PENICILLIFORMIS(CHLOROPHYTA)1

The flagellar apparatus of Urospora penicilliformis (Roth) Aresch. is unique, or at least very unusual among green algae. The flagellar axonemes are rigid, and contain wing-like projections. There are no central microtubules in the most proximal part of the axoneme. The transition region contains a series of electron dense transverse lamellae rather than a single septum, and lacks a stellate pattern. There is no cartwheel pattern in the proximal part of the basal bodies. The latter are associated with four different types of fibrous elements: ascending striated fibers that attach to an electron dense plate in the papillar center, lateral striated fibers that parallel microtubular roots, fibrous elements that link adjacent basal bodies, and finally two massive striated fibers that descend into the cell, passing closely along the nucleus (system II fibers, or rhizoplasts). Each of the four microtubular flagellar roots is sandwiched between two system I striated structures. The roots are probably equal; they contain proximally four, and distally up to eight microtubules. Based on the zoospore flagellar apparatus, it is concluded that the multinucleate U. penicilliformis is related to the Ulvaphyceae. Finally, a possible explanation in functional terms is given for the peculiar external morphology and behavior of the zoospore.     

Behavior of flagella and flagellar root systems in the planozygotes and settled zygotes of the green alga Bryopsis maxima Okamura (Ulvophyceae,Chlorophyta) with reference to spatial arrangement of eyespot and cell fusion site

Behaviors of male and female gametes, planozygotes and their microtubular cytoskeletons of a marine green alga Bryopsis maxima Okamura were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐speed video microscopy, and anti‐tubulin immunofluorescence microscopy. After fusion of the biflagellate male and female gametes, two sets of basal bodies lay side by side in the planozygote. Four long female microtubular roots extended from the basal bodies to the cell posterior. Four short male roots extended to nearly half the distance to the posterior end. Two flagella, one each from the male and female gametes, become a pair. Specifically, the no. 2 flagellum of the female gamete and one male flagellum point to the right side of the eyespot of the female gamete, which is located at the cell posterior and which is associated with 2s and 2d roots of the female gamete. This spatial relationship of the flagella, microtubular roots, and the eyespot in the planozygote is retained until settlement. During forward swimming, the planozygote swings the flagella backward and moves by flagellar beating. The male and female flagella in the pair usually beat synchronously. The cell withdraws the flagella and becomes round when the planozygote settles to the substratum 20 min after mixing. The axoneme and microtubular roots depolymerize, except for the proximal part and the basal bodies. Subsequently, distinct arrays of cortical microtubules develop in zygotes until 30 min after mixing. These results are discussed with respect to the functional significance of the spatial relationships of flagellar apparatus‐eyespot‐cell fusion sites in the mating gametes and planozygote of green algae.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE ZOOSPORES AND VEGETATIVE CELLS OF TETRAEDRON AND CHLOROTETRAEDRON (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The flagellar apparatus of the zoospores of Tetraedron bitridens Beck-Mannagetta and Chlorotetraedron polymorphum MacEntee, Bold et Archibald includes directly opposed basal bodies, a distal fiber that is elaborated into a ribbed structure to which the continuous striated microtubule-associated component (SMAC) is connected, and partial caps over the proximal end of each basal body. The angle between basal bodies ranges from approximately 25° to 150°. Basal bodies at wider angles are interconnected via their cores. A septum is present in the B-tubule of one basal body triplet in C. polymorphum. Both organisms have four microtubular rootlets arranged in a cruciate pattern. The two X-membered rootlets in a single cell have dissimilar numbers of microtubules. In C. polymorphum there are 5 and 6 microtubules in a 4/1 and 5/1 arrangement. 3/1 and 4/1 rootlets are present in T. bitridens. Zoospores of T. bitridens have a fuzzy coat whereas those of C. polymorphum are naked. Pyrenoids in both species are covered by a continuous starch sheath. Vegetative, interphase cells of C. polymorphum have two centrioles connected by a fiber that are located in depressions in the nuclear envelope. We propose that these two genera may be closely related to Neochloris, and that the coenobial genera Hydrodictyon, Pediastrum and Sorastrum are derived from a Tetraedron-like alga.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE GAMETE OF PEDIASTRUM DUPLEX (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

Gametes of Pediastrum duplex Meyen were investigated ultrastructurally, with emphasis on the flagellar apparatus. The cells are naked, biflagellate, and measure approximately 2.5 × 8 μm. Distinguishing them from zoospores is their possession of an eyespot and mating structure (the apical cap), and their lack of the peripheral band of cytoplasmic microtubules involved in colony formation. Four featurs of the flagellar apparatus are especially noteworthy: (1) the basal bodies are directly opposed and (2) are interconnected via their cores, (3) the central portion of the distal fiber is elaborated into an unusual ribbed structure which overlies the striated microtubule-associated component (SMAC) of the two-membered rootlets, and (4) the X-rootlets are dissimilar in microtubular number. The smaller X-rootlet consists of four microtubules in a three over one (3/1) configuration, whereas the larger has been found to be either 5 / 1, 6 / 1 or 7 / 1. The former rootlet extends past the nucleus whereas the latter extends down the opposite side of the cell, passing near the eyespot. The first two of these flagellar apparatus features have been previously noted in other motile cells of the Hydrodictyaceae. Although not specifically mentioned, published micrographs suggest the presence of the latter two as well, which may indicate that all four flagellar apparatus features are characteristics of all motile cells in the Hydrodictyaceae.     

THE CYTOSKELETON OF THE NAKED GREEN FLAGELLATE SPERMATOZOPSZS SIMILIS (CHLOROPHYTA): ANALYSIS OF ISOLATED BASAL APPARATUSES IN THE PARALLEL CONFIGURATION1,2

The biflagellate green alga Spermatozopsis similis is demonstrated to be a model organism for the biochemical and functional analysis of the basal apparatus. Basal apparatuses were isolated in the presence of 10⁻⁶ M Ca²⁺, which induces the reorientation of the basal bodies into the parallel state. Serial thin sectioning of enriched basal apparatuses stained with tannic acid reveals several novel details of the structure of the basal bodies, the distal connecting fiber, and the striated microtubule-associated fibers. We observed a pronounced difference in size of a striated fiber connecting the basal bodies to the five-stranded microtubular roots depending on its association with the developmentally older or younger basal body. Instead of a proximal connecting fiber, the proximal end of each basal body is associated with a striated triangular plate; these plates appear to serve as spacers for the basal bodies in the parallel and antiparallel configurations. We suggest that the plates play a role in maintaining basal body orientation during forward and backward swimming. The results are summarized in representative drawings of the basal apparatus.     

ABSOLUTE CONFIGURATION OF THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF BIFLAGELLATE ZOOSPORES OF ENTEROMORPHA FLEXUOSA SSP. PILIFERA (ULVOPHYCEAE,CHLOROPHYTA)1

The absolute configuration of the flagellar apparatus of biflagellate zoospores of Enteromorpha flexuosa (Wulfen ex Roth.) J. Agardh ssp. pilifera (Kütz.) Bliding was determined. Viewed from the anterior of the cell, the flagellar apparatus shows 180° rotational symmetry with a counter-clockwise absolute orientation of its components. In longitudinal sections, the posteriorly directed basal bodies form an angle of about 170°–180° to one another. A reduced striated distal fiber connects the two basal bodies. The cruciate microtubular rootlet system has a 4–2–4–2 alternation pattern. Striated microtubule-associated components (SMACs or system I-fibers) and rhizoplasts (or system II fibers) accompany the two-membered rootlets. Striated bands connect the proximal sheaths with the four-Membered rootlets. The bilobate terminal caps do not completely cover the proximal ends of the basal bodies. This is the first ultrastructural study of biflagellate zoospores in a member of the Ulvales.