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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Preparation of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Organisms Using Chemical Drying for Morphological Analysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Published on: January 7, 2019
Epixenosomes: peculiar epibionts of the ciliate Euplotidium itoi: morphological and functional cell
Abstract:
As already reported, epixenosomes have a complex cell organization although they lack membranous organelles and a nuclear envelope. Different morphological compartments have been evidenced: (1) a space (IM) between the 2 external membranes in which acid phosphatase has been observed; (2) an apical, electrondense zone (DZ) not delimited by a membrane or thin envelope, containing DNA and basic proteins; (3) a roundish body (RB), 200 nm in diameter, containing reserve polysaccharides and enzymes, in particular, peroxidase; (4) an extrusive apparatus (EA) consisting of a ribbon with smooth surfaces in which lectin binding sites are present, and immersed in a complex matrix different from the remaining cytoplasm. Along its internal and external limits, active adenylate cyclase has been evidenced. At its top, a 'ring' of peroxidase is present; (5) a basket surrounding the extrusive apparatus probably consisting of tubulin microtubules. The cytochemical data, especially the precise localization of the enzymes shown here, indicate that in epixenosomes, a functional compartmentalization corresponds to a structural complexity, in spite of the absence of internal true membranes.
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