| Abstract: | 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. |
