Electron-Microscopic Observations of Gromia oviformis (Sarcodina).

SYNOPSIS. Gromia oviformis from New Zealand has been examined in thin sections after fixing in osmium tetroxide and embedding in methacrylate. The structure of the protein and acid mucopolysaccharide shell and the canals which pass radially through it are described. Multiple honeycomb membranes located between the shell and the cytoplasm, as well as mitochondria and "Golgi bodies," none of which has hitherto been seen in light microscope studies, are discussed and illustrated. The previously known stercomata and xanthosomes are considered. Though still regarded as enigmatic cytoplasmic inclusions, observations suggest that they are waste products retained within the animal throughout life.