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Ultrastructure of the concentric membrane system in Arthrinium aureum
1Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
An ultrastructural study was performed on Arthrinium aureum. The fungi were treated with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation. The hypha and conidia has a concentric membrane system which consisted of multiple membranes of a myelinoid appearance, and continued to the conidia and hypha plasma membrane. The fungi were also treated with periodic acid-alkaline bismuth (PABi) staining after glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation. PABi positive materials were found on the marginal glycogen granules, the concentric membrane system and the conidia plasma membrane.
Insights
This study reveals a unique concentric membrane system in Arthrinium aureum fungi. This structure, containing glycogen and other materials, is connected to the plasma membrane.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Arthrinium aureum is a fungal species.
- Understanding fungal cell structures is crucial for mycology.
- The ultrastructure of A. aureum has not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural organization of Arthrinium aureum.
- To characterize the concentric membrane system in hyphae and conidia.
- To identify the composition of the concentric membrane system using PABi staining.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural analysis of Arthrinium aureum.
- Fixation using glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide.
- Periodic acid-alkaline bismuth (PABi) staining for polysaccharide detection.
Main Results:
- A concentric membrane system with myelinoid appearance was observed in hyphae and conidia.
- This system was continuous with the plasma membrane.
- PABi staining indicated the presence of polysaccharides in glycogen granules, the concentric membrane system, and the conidia plasma membrane.
Conclusions:
- Arthrinium aureum possesses a distinctive concentric membrane system.
- This system is likely involved in cellular processes and is rich in polysaccharides.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise function of this unique structure.