Structural differences between the resting eggs of Brachionus plicatilis and Brachionus rotundiformis (Rotifers, Brachionidae): an electron microscopic study |
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Authors: | Natesan Munuswamy Atsushi Hagiwara Gopal Murugan Kazutsugu Hirayama Henri J Dumont |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo Machi 1-14, 852 Nagasaki, Japan;(2) Laboratory of Animal Ecology, University of Ghent, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium |
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Abstract: | Surface topography and layering of resting eggs of Brachionus plicatilis and B. rotundiformis are described, based on scanning and transmission electron microscope studies. In B. plicatilis, the resting eggs are spherical with smooth wavy ridges on the surface, whereas these ridges are small and condensed in B. rotundiformis. The distribution of pores on the egg surface clearly distinguishes the two species.Ultrastructure of the egg membranes of both species varies greatly with regard to size, shape and sculpturing of each membrane. The alveolar and dense sublayers, which constitute the outer egg membrane (S1) are very thick (10–12 µm) in B. rotundiformis compared to B. plicatilis (4–5 µm). Thus, each species has a characteristic surface and membrane architecture. The functional roles of these membranes, during the resting phase of rotifers, are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Rotifera resting eggs surface topography pores ultra structure alveolar dense sub-layer |
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