Nuclear rDNA in Euglena gracilis: paucity of chromosomal units and replication of extrachromosomal units

Copy number of chromosomal rDNA units was investigated in two Euglena gracilis wild-type strains. It was established by dot blot analysis that these strains possess about four integrated units per haploid genome. This is the first example of a photosynthetic cell with only a few chromosomal ribosomal genes. In addition to these units, Euglena has 800 to 4000 extrachromosomal rDNA units. Electron microscopy revealed that these free rDNA circles bear a replication origin, and intermediates of replication show a D-loop structure.     

The larval attachment organ of the tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus Gill, 1863 (Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae)

Larval attachment organs (LAOs) are unicellular or multicellular organs that allow larvae to adhere to a substrate before yolk-sac absorption and the free-swimming stage. This study documents the LAO of tropical gar, Atractosteus tropicus, using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. It is shown that the LAO of A. tropicus is a super-organ surrounded by a wall and containing at its centre many smaller multicellular organ units, each comprised of attachment and support cells. Attachment cells are secretory and house large vacuoles filled with a glycoprotein. At hatching, the super-organ is well developed and occupies almost the entire anteroventral surface of the head. During subsequent development, the smaller individual units begin to regress, until at 6 days post-hatching the super-organ and its individual units are no longer visible.     

Cell wall and DNA cosegregation in Bacillus subtilis studied by electron microscope autoradiography.

Cells of a Bacillus subtilis mutant deficient in both major autolytic enzyme activities were continuously labeled in either cell wall or DNA or both cell wall and DNA. After appropriate periods of chase in minimal as well as in rich medium, thin sections of cells were autoradiographed and examined by electron microscopy. The resolution of the method was adequate to distinguish labeled DNA units from cell wall units. The latter, which could be easily identified, were shown to segregate symmetrically, suggesting a zonal mode of new wall insertion. DNA units could also be clearly recognized despite a limited fragmentation; they segregated asymmetrically with respect to the nearest septum. Analysis of cells simultaneously labeled in cell wall and DNA provided clear visual evidence of their regular but asymmetrical cosegregation, confirming a previous report obtained by light microscope autoradiography (J.-M. Schlaeppi and D. Karamata, J. Bacteriol. 152:1231-1240, 1982). In addition to labeled wall units, electron microscopy of thin sections of aligned cells has revealed fibrillar networks of wall material which are frequently associated with the cell surface. Most likely, these structures correspond to wall sloughed off by the turnover mechanism but not yet degraded to filterable or acid-soluble components.     

Binding of BAL 31 RNA polymerase to PM2 DNA as determined by electron microscopy and protection against restriction endonuclease cleavage.

Specific binding sites of BAL 31 RNA polymerase on PM2 DNA have been mapped by protection against HincII and HindIII cleavage and by observation of enzyme-DNA complexes by electron microscopy. Nine specific binding sites were observed at map units 0.19, 0.20, 0.28, 0.54, 0.63, 0.65, 0.71, 0.72, and 0.75 by the first method. All these sites were confirmed by electron microscopy which, in addition, revealed another site at 0.05 map unit. Published nucleotide sequences of the region surrounding sites at 0.71 and 0.75 map units show the presence of consensus sequences for procaryotic promoters.     

Fine structure of the salivary glands of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The fine structure of the salivary glands of adult Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) bugs has been analyzed. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that each insect presents a pair of salivary glands, each pair containing three distinct units (main, supplementary, and accessory) with different sizes and colors. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that all gland units consist of a monolayer of epithelial cells surrounding a large central lumen. The gland units are enveloped by a thick basal lamina containing bundles of muscle cells. Microvilli are present at the apical plasma membrane domain of the gland cells, thus enlarging the available membrane area for saliva secretion towards the large gland lumen, although occasionally budding vesicles could be observed among the microvilli. Cytochemical analysis showed that the salivary gland cells of T. infestans present abundant endoplasmic reticulum profiles and several lipid droplets.     

DNA of the Streptomyces phage SH10: Binding sites for Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and denaturation map

Summary Escherichia coli RNA polymerase bound to Streptomyces phage SH10 DNA was visualized by electron microscopy. Six specific binding sites were observed at map units 53, 85, 93, 97, 98, and 99 on the physical map of the 48 kb long genome. Electron microscopy of partially denatured SH10 DNA revealed a characteristic melting pattern of A+T-rich regions around map units 1, 3, 48, 52, and 99. A comparison of the denaturation map with the RNA polymerase binding sites indicates that three binding sites are located in the most A+T-rich regions, two in other early melting regions and one in a segment of higher DNA helix stability.     

Crystallographic characterization of the crossed lamellar structure in the bivalve Meretrix lamarckii using electron beam techniques

To understand the formation mechanism of crossed lamellar structures in molluskan shells, the crystallographic structural features in the shell of a bivalve, Meretrix lamarckii, were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy with a focused ion beam sample preparation technique. Approximately 0.5 μm-thick lamellae (the second-order units) are piled up obliquely toward the growth direction to form the first-order unit and the obliquity is inverted between adjacent units along the shell thickness direction. The first-order units originate around the center of the shell, initially growing parallel to the shell and subsequently curving toward the inner or outer surfaces. The lamellae consist of aragonite granular and columnar layers, which group together to adopt the same crystal orientation forming crystallographic units (crystallites). Multiple {1 1 0} twins are common both in the granular and columnar layers. The crystallite c-axis is parallel to the columns and is inclined at angles 0–50° from the lamellar normal (dispersing among individual lamellae), toward the shell growth direction. Probably, the directions of the a- and b-axes are random in the lamellae, showing no specific orientation.     

Functional morphology of the subgenual organ of the carpenter ant

Using light microscopy, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy and histochemistry, the subgenual organ (SGO) of an ant, Camponutas ligniperda, is investigated. Sensory units and attachment cells together enclose a large extracellular cavity, which is filled by acid mucopolysaccharides, as revealed by staining with ruthenium red. Due to this cavity, the whole SGO has the shape of a deformed sphere and the scolopidia exhibit a distribution of angles between 0 degrees and 60 degrees with the tibial long axis (as is shown by phalloidin-rhodamin staining of the actin filaments of the scolopale, viewed in situ by laser scanning confocal microscopy). The subgenual organ is innervated by a branch of the tibial nerve, which splits within or shortly distal to the femur-tibia joint. The other features of the SGO of Camponotus ligniperda are similar as in other insects: the SGO of Camponotus ligniperda contains about 35 scolopidial sensilla; it is fixed to the subgenual nerve on its proximal end, by its attachment cells to the opposite part of the cuticle; the fixation by the attachment cells is accomplished by a vast quantity of cytoplasmic microtubules; the construction of the sensory units is the same as in other mononematic scolopidial organs. The role of the extracellular lumen inside the organ and the special shape of the SGO of Camponotus ligniperda in mechanical transmission is discussed.     

Stepwise unfolding of ankyrin repeats in a single protein revealed by atomic force microscopy

Using single-molecule atomic force microscopy, we find that a protein consisting of six identical ankyrin repeat units flanked by N- and C-terminal modules (N6C) unfolds in a stepwise, unit-by-unit fashion under a mechanical force. Stretching a N6C molecule results in a sawtooth pattern fingerprint, with as many as six peaks separated by approximately 10 nm and an average unfolding force of 50 +/- 20 pN. Our results demonstrate that a stretching force can unfold multiple repeat units individually in a single protein molecule, despite extensive hydrophobic interactions between adjacent units.     

Atomic Force Microscope Information on Pollen Exine Substructure in Nuphar

Images of individual exine units from the tectum of Nuphar luteum (L.) Sm. pollen were made using atomic force microscopy. These units were recorded as being 120 to 160 nm wide. Exine-units sectioned transversally were circular and had a central circular (core) zone 40 nm or more in diameter. Exine unit-structures in Nuphar have an outer (binder) substructure coiled around a core zone.     

On the development of midpiece mitochondria of mouse spermatozoa

Summary As seen by scanning electron microscopy, the mitochondrial helix in the developing midpiece of mouse testicular spermatozoa is dextral in direction and consists of spherical mitochondrial units arranged in an orderly array of four units per gyre: three appearing in face view and a fourth hidden from view at the back of the gyre. As the spermatozoa mature, the dextral helix is transformed into a sinistral helix. Its constituent spherical mitochondria either change direction abruptly without changing shape; or having first become semilunar or diamond-shaped, they change direction gradually. Mitochondrial division follows the change in helical pitch producing a double sinistral helix. The spherical (or semilunar/diamond-shaped) mitochondria presumably elongate to form the units of the mature midpiece.     

Extracellular matrix surface network of embryogenic units of friable maize callus contains arabinogalactan-proteins recognized by monoclonal antibody JIM4

Embryogenic units of friable maize callus are formed as globular or oblong packets of tightly associated meristematic cells. These units are surrounded by conspicuous cell walls visible in light microscopy after staining with basic fuchsin. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that embryogenic cells are rich in endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes and small protein bodies, and that the outermost layer of their cell walls is composed of fibrillar material. Electron microscopy has also shown that this material covers the surface of embryogenic cells as a distinct layer which we denote as extracellular matrix surface network (ECMSN). Employing histochemical staining with β-glucosyl Yariv phenylglycoside, we localized arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) to the outer cell walls of embryogenic units including ECMSN. The most prominent staining was found in cell-cell junction domains. Large non-embryogenic callus cells were not stained with this AGP-specific dye. Immunofluorescence and silver-enhanced immunogold labelling using monoclonal antibody JIM4 has shown that the ECMSN of embryogenic cells is equipped with JIM4 epitope, while non-embryogenic callus cells are devoid of this epitope. We propose that some specific AGPs of the ECMSN might be relevant for cell-cell adhesion and recognition of embryogenic cells during early embryogenic stages, and that the JIM4 antibody can serve as an early marker of embryogenic competence in maize callus culture. Received: 13 March 1998 / Revision received: 6 June 1998 / Accepted: 1 July 1998     

Bridging fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy

Development of new fluorescent probes and fluorescence microscopes has led to new ways to study cell biology. With the emergence of specialized microscopy units at most universities and research centers, the use of these techniques is well within reach for a broad research community. A major breakthrough in fluorescence microscopy in biology is the ability to follow specific targets on or in living cells, revealing dynamic localization and/or function of target molecules. One of the inherent limitations of fluorescence microscopy is the resolution. Several efforts are undertaken to overcome this limit. The traditional and most well-known way to achieve higher resolution imaging is by electron microscopy. Moreover, electron microscopy reveals organelles, membranes, macromolecules, and thus aids in the understanding of cellular complexity and localization of molecules of interest in relation to other structures. With the new probe development, a solid bridge between fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy is being built, even leading to correlative imaging. This connection provides several benefits, both scientifically as well as practically. Here, I summarize recent developments in bridging microscopy.     

Application of confocal microscopy to exospore ultrastructure in megaspores ofSelaginella convoluta andS. marginata

Information pertaining to the arrangement of the rodshaped units that form the exospore ofSelaginella convoluta (Walk. Arn.) Spring andS. marginata (Humb. & Bonpl.) Spring megaspores was obtalned using both a confocal laser scanning microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Units are helically coiled, as we interpret them. The highest levels of fluorescence with confocal microscopy were in the places where the coiled exospore units that contain the fluorochrome dye overlap. These sites of overlap occurred in a close packed (hexagonal or pentagonal) arrangement. A more-or-less circular central nonfluorescent area was contiguous between overlapping exospore units. We conclude that the space between exospore units is a continuous channel (conduit). Each conduit is embraced by five or six helical-units that interdigitate.     

Structure of the ribonucleic acid bacteriophage R17

Vasquez, Cesar (Institut de Recherches sur le Cancer, Villejuif, Seine, France), Nicole Granboulan, and Richard M. Franklin. Structure of the ribonucleic acid bacteriophage R17. J. Bacteriol. 92:1779-1786. 1966.-The morphology of bacteriophage R17 was studied by electron microscopy of negatively stained virions. The hexagonal shape, the presence of a maximum of 10 units at the periphery, and especially the observation of central fivefold points of symmetry with neighboring five and six coordinated units indicated icosahedral symmetry with 32 morphological units. Although the exact shape of the polyhedron could not be specified, the number of morphological units agreed with the chemically estimated number of structural units.     

An integumentary gland secreting a territorial marking pheromone in Atta sp.: Detailed structure and histochemistry

An abdominal pheromone-producing gland in Atta sp. was examined using light and electron microscopy techniques. The gland is composed of a bunch of juxtaposed secretory units in which the secretory ductules open on to a cribellum close to the sting base.The structure and cycles of the secreting units are described. Each includes a secretory cell with an ‘end apparatus’, ductule cells and epidermal cells. The secretory cycle of glycoproteins accumulated in the ‘end apparatus’ is discussed and a functional interpretation of the morphological components of the application system is proposed.     

Large Bodies of Mycoplasma and L-Form Organisms

The large bodies of various Mycoplasma and L-form organisms were studied by ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy of preparations stained with various fluorochromes. Primuline and Thioflavine S specifically stained the outer portion or rim of the large bodies, and the fluorescence characteristics of the stained bodies differed from those for other microorganisms and for spheroplasts and protoplasts. Small granular structures similar in size and morphology to minimal reproductive units were observed within some of the large bodies by phase microscopy and by fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange or Coriphosphine O. Micromanipulation probing of the large bodies revealed their elastic nature; many of the large bodies could be subdivided into two or more smaller circular bodies, each retaining the fluorescence staining properties of the parent body. Under these conditions, however, a few of the large bodies were ruptured, leaving the stainable outer boundary area as a stable residual structure. The large bodies were somewhat resistant to various rigorous treatments normally employed to eliminate viability of Mycoplasma and L-form cultures. Structures similr to large bodies were observed in various natural tissues, and structures resembling large bodies in size, morphology, fluorescence staining characteristics, and reaction to micromanipulation probing were reconstructed from an acetone extract of egg yolk. Overall, the large bodies of Mycoplasma and L-form organisms appeared to be structures resulting from accumulations of metabolic by-products and medium components within or on which minimal reproductive units had become entrapped, although it could not be ruled out that they might be defined structures specifically formed during culture as protective lipoidal sacs for the minimal reproductive units.     

Heterogeneity of spindle units in the cat tenuissimus muscle

Three tandem spindles and their nerve supplies, reconstructed by light microscopy of serial transverse sections of the cat tenuissimus muscle, were compared to single spindle units. Each tandem spindle consisted of one large unit containing a dynamic bag1, a static bag2, and several static chain fibers (b1b2c unit) linked by the bag2 fiber to a small unit containing only a bag2 and chain fibers (b2c unit). Most features of primary afferents, secondary afferents, and motor neurons were qualitatively and quantitatively similar in both single and tandem b1b2c units. However, b1b2c units of tandem spindles had a lower density of skeletofusimotor innervation than did single b1b2c spindles. The b2c spindle units differed greatly from single or tandem b1b2c units. The b2c spindle units had fewer intrafusal fibers and incoming axons than either the tandem or single b1b2c units. The motor innervation of b2c units was typified by nonselective gamma axons that coinnervated both bag2 and chain fibers, in contrast to the regular occurrence of both selective and nonselective motor axons in b1b2c spindle units. The afferent located at the equator of b2c units differed in size, branching pattern, and intrafusal distribution of its ending from both the primary and secondary sensory axons of b1b2c units and, therefore, might represent a third category of spindle afferent. Thus, cat tenuissimus muscles contain three types of spindle units that differ in the number and organization of muscular and neural elements. These differences in structure and neural organization among tenuissimus spindle units may be a source for generation of different sensory signals in response to common mechanical or fusimotor stimuli.